Intellectual Property and Government-Funded Research: Navigating the Bayh-Dole Framework

Sterne Kessler’s Paul Calvo, Ph.D. and Peter Jackman will present “Intellectual Property and Government-Funded Research: Navigating the Bayh-Dole Framework,” an SME Lunch and Learn co-hosted with the Maryland Tech Council.

For many emerging life sciences and technology companies, government grants and sponsored research programs provide critical funding to accelerate innovation. However, inventions developed with federal support are subject to unique intellectual property requirements that can impact patent ownership, licensing rights, commercialization strategies, and investor diligence. During this session, attendees will gain a practical understanding of the Bayh-Dole Act and the obligations that accompany federally funded research. We will discuss key compliance requirements, government-retained rights, SBIR and STTR funding considerations, common due diligence pitfalls, and strategies for protecting and maximizing the value of IP assets developed through government-supported innovation. Drawing on real-world scenarios, this program will help startups, research institutions, and commercialization teams navigate the intersection of funding and intellectual property with confidence.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand how the Bayh-Dole Act affects ownership of inventions arising from federally funded research.
• Identify key compliance requirements that can impact patent rights and commercialization opportunities.
• Recognize how government-retained rights may affect licensing, fundraising, partnerships, and acquisitions.
• Avoid common IP diligence issues related to federally funded research and academic collaborations.
• Learn practical strategies for managing government-funded IP throughout the innovation lifecycle.