ERDA urged not to require patent licensing

Journal Article · Mon Jan 24 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Chem. Eng. News; (United States)

OSTI ID:7231110

Panelists recommended that new technologies developed by private companies under contract with ERDA should not have patent licensing requirements. There is evidence that private investment ignores government-owned inventions until they are ready for commercialization. On the other hand, ERDA contracting offers low-priced research and development as long as there is protection of the patent system. There must be a satisfactory return on investment for private companies to undertake long-term high-risk research projects, but mandatory licensing would allow competitors to avoid risks while benefiting from the results. Oil companies, the most likely to be involved, already have liberal licensing policies because they provide more revenue than can be realized if new developments are restricted to the company. ERDA may easily become mired in indecision and regulations if a patent policy is adopted. Only one of six panelists felt that a uniform licensing policy with reasonable royalties is workable for energy-related patents, although he also felt that small companies could not participate unless they can retain their rights for at least five years. (DCK)

• OSTI ID: 7231110
• Journal Information: Chem. Eng. News; (United States), Journal Name: Chem. Eng. News; (United States) Vol. 55:4; ISSN CENEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
021000 -- Petroleum-- Legislation & Regulations
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
293000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
COMPETITION
CONTRACTS
COST
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENERGY POLICY
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INDUSTRY
INVESTMENT
LICENSING
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
PATENTS
PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
RECOMMENDATIONS
REGULATIONS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
US ERDA
US ORGANIZATIONS