Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR): Part 27 Rewrite in Plain Language,
[Federal Register: May 28, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 102)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 31789-31817]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28my03-26]
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Part III
Department of Defense
General Services Administration
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
48 CFR Parts 2, et al.
Federal Acquisition Regulation; FAR Part 27 Rewrite in Plain Language; Proposed Rule
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
48 CFR Parts 2, 19, 27, 52
[FAR Case 1999-402]
RIN 9000-AJ64
Federal Acquisition Regulation; FAR Part 27 Rewrite in Plain Language
AGENCIES: Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
SUMMARY: The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to clarify, streamline, and update guidance and clauses on patents, data, and copyrights to provide a more logical presentation of this complex material.
DATES: Interested parties should submit comments in writing on or before July 28, 2003 to be considered in the formulation of a final rule.
ADDRESSES: Submit written comments to--General Services Administration, FAR Secretariat (MVA), 1800 F Street, NW, Room 4035, ATTN: Laurie Duarte, Washington, DC 20405.
Submit electronic comments via the Internet to--farcase.1999- 402@gsa.gov. Please submit comments only and cite FAR case 1999-402 in all correspondence related to this case.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The FAR Secretariat, Room 4035, GS Building, Washington, DC, 20405, at (202) 501-4755 for information pertaining to status or publication schedules. For clarification of content, contact Ms. Victoria Moss, Procurement Analyst, at (202) 501- 4764. Please cite FAR case 1999-402.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Background
The rule constitutes a rewrite of FAR Part 27 and its associated clauses in Part 52. Part 27 implements a number of statutes and executive orders pertaining to patents, data, and copyrights. The effort to rewrite FAR Part 27 was undertaken to make the various policies and procedures that implement these statutes and executive orders more succinct and understandable to the reader. In addition to numerous editorial and structural changes, some existing policies and procedures were clarified to eliminate potential confusion among responsible parties and make clearer the distinction between the rights and obligations of the contractor and the Government. While this FAR case was designed primarily to make the contents of FAR Part 27 easier to understand, as opposed to changing underlying policies, some substantive changes have also been made to reflect changes to the various laws covering the subject matter in FAR Part 27. A discussion of the proposed substantive changes and the associated rationale for these changes are provided below along with a description of the ``plain language'' changes that have been made.
The following more specifically summarizes the proposed changes:
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General. We have identified and moved the prescriptive language for the solicitation provisions and contract clauses into discrete subsections. Additionally, an effort has been made to eliminate language in the text that duplicates existing clause language.
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Definitions. A definition of ``commercial computer software'' was added to FAR Part 2 because this term is referenced in both Parts 12 and 27. A consistent definition for ``commercial computer software'' is needed to distinguish ``commercial computer software'' from ``restricted computer software,'' the distinction being that commercial computer software must have been sold commercially and restricted computer software may have not been so sold, leased, or licensed. The clause at 52.227-19 helps contracting officers because FAR 12.212 does not provide much guidance with respect to what is and what is not permissible in Government contracts. In particular, FAR Part 12 does not provide much guidance to contracting officers with respect to that which is consistent with Federal law and that which would normally satisfy Government needs. The clause at 52.227-19, if a contracting officer decides to insert it, ensures that the customary commercial license is consistent with Federal law and normally covers all the rights that the Government needs in commercial computer software.
A definition of ``United States,'' unique to part 27, was added at FAR 27.001.
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FAR subpart 27.1 was rewritten to make it more succinct and to eliminate extraneous text. FAR 27.103, Policy, was deleted in its entirety because it merely stated the policies concerning patents, copyrights, and data that were in Part 27. An obsolete description of commercial items was removed from FAR 27.102 and replaced with the term ``commercial item,'' which is defined in Part 2.
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FAR Subpart 27.2 was rewritten to better explain the purpose behind the use of the authorization and consent clause and its alternatives, the notification and assistance clause, the patent indemnity clause and its alternatives, and the patent royalty clause. Related sections were grouped together under section headings to more accurately reflect the specific subject matter and guidance presented to the contracting officer (e.g., ``27.201, Patent and copyright infringement liability,'' currently under current sections 27.201 through 27.203).
Much of the general explanation of the Authorization and Consent clause in FAR 27.201 was extraneous and unnecessarily complicated given that the clause is required in the vast majority of contracts and the exceptions to the use of the clause are very clear. New clear and succinct guidance points out that the notice and assistance clause is to be used when the authorization and consent clause is used. This eliminated the need to repeat when the authorization and consent clause is used in the prescriptive language for the notice and assistance clause. The lengthy descriptions for use of the patent indemnity clause and its alternates have been eliminated. The text was amended by using the term, ``commercial item,'' and referencing the simplified acquisition procedures as an exclusion to the clause's use. This was done because the FAR clause at 52.212-4 has a patent indemnity provision in it and it greatly simplified the prescriptive language using common reference terms with which contracting officers are familiar.
In the new FAR section 27.202, Royalties, the coverage on refund of royalties was consolidated to one sentence to eliminate confusion resulting from mixing prescriptive language and explanatory text.
The new FAR section 27.203 replaces 27.207, and the title is changed from ``Classified contracts'' to ``Security requirements for patent applications containing classified subject matter.'' The new title more accurately addresses any patent application that may include classified subject matter, regardless of the classification of the contract.
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FAR Subpart 27.3 is one of the more legally complex subparts in the FAR. Therefore, it was difficult to edit any portion of this subpart without substantively changing the meaning of the prescriptive language and/or procedures. This subpart primarily implements the Bayh- Dole Act (Act),
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Title 35 U.S.C., Chapter 18. This Act has a long and involved history, which is why there are so many legal nuances to this subpart. A brief history of the distinction that the Act makes between small businesses/ nonprofit organization and large for-profit business will put this in perspective. Initially, the Act was only made applicable to small business firms and nonprofit organizations. This was changed when President Reagan issued a Presidential memorandum and, later, an Executive order that made the Act applicable to all entities regardless of size. However, Congress later amended the Act to make only several of its sections applicable to large for-profit businesses. Accordingly, there is an inherent statutory distinction between small business/ nonprofits and large for-profits. While this proposed rule maintains this distinction, many of the sections were retitled and alternate words were used to help clarify some of the misinterpretations of this subpart that have occurred in the past.
It should be emphasized that the Act makes the Department of Commerce responsible for issuing regulations concerning its implementation. Therefore, any changes to the FAR must conform to 37 CFR part 401.
Extraneous text at FAR 27.302(b)(1) was eliminated to simply state that pursuant to law, a contractor may elect to retain title to any subject invention. This is the main concept behind the Act; that is, to allow small businesses and nonprofits to commercialize subject inventions. Paragraphs (b)(2) through (b)(5) of FAR 27.302 were restructured in order to emphasize that the Government only acquires title to a subject invention in very limited circumstances.
FAR 27.303 was reorganized for clarity as follows:
[sbull] Language previously located at FAR 27.304-3, which was merely referenced in 27.303 pertaining to solicitations or contracts for construction work or architect-engineer services, was moved to 27.303(a)(2) for readability.
[sbull] The title of the clause at 52.227-11 was changed to provide a more accurate description of the clause content. Currently, the FAR clauses at 52.227-11 and 52.227-12 are titled ``Short Form'' and ``Long Form,'' respectively. While 52.227-11 may be a little shorter as it is currently written, it is still a sizable clause, so the distinction between short and long has never proved very helpful. Further, the term ``Retention'' was removed from the title of the clause at 52.227-11 and replaced with ``Ownership'', which is a more common term. Additionally, since the Department of Defense is apparently the only agency using the clause at 52.227-12, it was deleted from the FAR and will be moved to the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement under a separate case.
[sbull] The clause prescriptive language throughout FAR 27.303(b) was amended to conform to FAR plain language convention.
[sbull] FAR 27.303(e)(1)(iv) was language taken in large part from 27.303(d).
[sbull] FAR 27.303(e)(2) was reorganized to more clearly describe the implementation procedures of 37 CFR part 401 that pertain to the exceptions in a contract with a small business concern or a nonprofit organization.
[sbull] FAR 27.303(e)(3) was more appropriately moved to 27.304- 1(b)(2) because it is not prescriptive language.
FAR 27.304 was similarly reorganized for clarity as follows:
[sbull] The procedures for a small business/nonprofit organization to appeal an agency's exercise of the exceptions at FAR 27.303(c)(1)(i) through (c)(1)(iv) or of march-in rights were deleted in their entirety and replaced with a sentence referencing the Department of Commerce's regulations on the subject. Since these procedures are copied verbatim from the Commerce regulations, they did not need to be repeated. Moreover, agencies rarely exercise these rights and, accordingly, it was further felt that these procedures did not have to be included in the FAR.
[sbull] The additional requirements delineated at FAR 27.304-1(e) were deleted because they duplicated existing language at 27.303(b)(2) and (c)(3). However, the language pertaining to the contractor's responsibility for delivering confirmation of the right of the contracting officer to inspect and make copies of the patent application file at 27.304-1(e)(3) was retained and moved to 27.305.
In FAR 27.305, slightly different titles to the subsections were used to make them more accurately depict the subject matter. Also, 27.305-2 was deleted because it duplicated language already contained in the patent rights clause.
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FAR Subpart 27.4 was changed to provide clarity and updated information as follows:
[sbull] In FAR 27.401, a definition of ``Computer data base'' was added to provide consistency throughout the rest of the part. As noted previously, a definition for ``Commercial computer software'' was added to FAR Part 2 because this term is used in Parts 12 and 27. The definition of ``Computer software'' was changed to provide a more meaningful and accurate definition of the term. The definition of this term is derived from the definition of the same term in the Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (DEAR) (see 48 CFR 927.409). Further, the definition of ``Technical data'' was rewritten to comply with the definition of ``Technical data'' in 41 U.S.C. 403.
FAR 27.404 was subdivided into several subsections for better readability. 27.404-2(c)(3) was redrafted to expressly state that computer databases must be treated as technical data and not computer software. This accurately reflects the law in this area.
[sbull] The most significant change made in FAR Subpart 27.4 was made to, what is now designated, 27.404-3. Currently, the coverage of copyrighted works in the FAR is premised on law that has long been changed. Since under existing law, an original work of authorship is copyrighted as soon as it is put in a tangible media (e.g., writing something down). Therefore, the use of the term, ``establish'' is inappropriate. Instead, the term ``assert'' was substituted to accurately reflect that a contractor already has a copyright in any data first produced under a contract. The use of the term ``assert,'' however, gives the Government the opportunity to provide permission before the contractor can act on its rights in the copyright, as is the current practice. This section was also redrafted to reflect the current practice of normally allowing contractors to assert their copyrights in data first produced under a contract. The information previously contained in paragraphs 27.404(f)(2)(ii) and (iii) was rewritten to reflect current law on notice/publication requirements for copyrights.
[sbull] The clause prescriptive language pertinent to use of the clause at 52.227-17, Rights in Data--Special Works, which was previously located within the text material at 52.405-1(c), (d), and (e), has been moved to 27.409.
[sbull] Section 27.405(c) was deleted. This language duplicates language in the clause.
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FAR Subpart 27.6 was redesignated as 27.5, Foreign License and Technical Assistance Agreements, and was reduced to a single sentence. The remainder of the coverage of this part was addressed in the other parts.
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FAR 52.227 clauses and provisions were largely redrafted to reflect ``plain language'' changes that may substantially improve clarity as follows:
[sbull] 52.227-11 and 52.227-13 will be addressed together because most of the changes were of a similar nature. The changes to the titles have already been discussed. The clause at FAR 52.227-11 was restructured to make the distinction between the rights and obligations of the contractor and the Government clearer.
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While this looks like a substantial revision, it really only involves moving different paragraphs to places that fit the designated restructure. In new paragraph (c)(3), a distinction of different types of patent applications had to be made, i.e., between provisional and nonprovisional patent applications, to accurately reflect current practices at the United States Patent and Trademark Office. As discussed previously, new paragraph (i) was substantially rewritten to eliminate the entire section on march-in rights, leaving only a reference to the provision of the Bayh-Dole Act that requires these rights. It was felt that this is sufficient because the rights of the Government stem directly from the statute and need not be reiterated in the clauses. Similarly, in the new paragraph (d)(2) of the clause at 52.227-13, much of the procedures to review a decision to revoke a license have been removed and the prescriptive language has been cited.
[sbull] Any changes to the clause at 52.227-14 conform to the prescriptive text changes at FAR Subpart 27.4, Rights in Data and Copyrights.
[sbull] Only ``plain language'' changes were made to the remaining clauses at 52.227-15, 52.227-17, 52.227-19, 52.227-20, and 52.227-21.
This is not a significant regulatory action and, therefore, was not subject to review under Section 6(b) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, dated September 30, 1993. This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804.
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Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Councils do not expect this proposed rule to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq., because while we have made changes in accordance with plain language guidelines, we have only made minimal substantive changes to the policies, procedures, and contract clauses pertaining to patents or the directions to agencies to develop coverage for rights in data and copyrights. An Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis has, therefore, not been performed. We invite comments from small businesses and other interested parties. The Councils will consider comments from small entities concerning the affected FAR Parts 2, 19, 27, and 52 in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Interested parties must submit such comments separately and should cite 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. (FAR case 1999-402), in correspondence.
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Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act (Pub. L. 104-13) applies because the proposed rule contains information collection requirements. The current paperwork burden associated with FAR Subpart 27.3 (under OMB Control Number 9000-0095) will be modified to account for the reduction of burden associated with the removal of the clause at 52.227-12 from the FAR. We estimate a burden reduction of 13,689 hours (30 percent of the 45,630 total burden) associated with this clause. The burden hours associated with this clause will be added to OMB Control Number 0704- 0369 under a separate case.
List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 2, 19, 27, and 52
Government procurement.
Dated: May 16, 2003. Laura G. Smith, Director, Acquisition Policy Division.
Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA propose amending 48 CFR parts 2, 19, 27, and 52 as set forth below:
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The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 2, 19, 27, and 52 is revised to read as follows:
Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. chapter 137; and 42 U.S.C. 2473(c).
PART 2--DEFINITIONS OF WORDS AND TERMS
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Amend section 2.101 by adding, in alphabetical order, the definitions ``Commercial computer software'' and ``Small business concern'', and by revising the definition ``United States'' to read as follows:
2.101 Definitions.
* * * * *
Commercial computer software means any computer program, computer data base, or documentation that has been sold, leased, or licensed to the general public. * * * * *
Small business concern means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding on Government contracts, and qualified as a small business under the criteria and size standards in 13 CFR part 121 (see 19.102). Such a concern is ``not dominant in its field of operation'' when it does not exercise a controlling or major influence on a national basis in a kind of business activity in which a number of business concerns are primarily engaged. In determining whether dominance exists, consideration must be given to all appropriate factors, including volume of business, number of employees, financial resources, competitive status or position, ownership or control of materials, processes, patents, license agreements, facilities, sales territory, and nature of business activity. * * * * *
United States, when used in a geographic sense, means the 50 States and the District of Columbia, except as follows:
(1) For use in subpart 22.8, see the definition at 22.801.
(2) For use in subpart 22.10, see the definition at 22.1001.
(3) For use in part 25, see the definition at 25.003.
(4) For use in part 27, see the definition at 27.001.
(5) For use in subpart 47.4, see the definition at 47.401. * * * * *
PART 19--SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS
19.001 [Amended]
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Amend section 19.001 by removing the definition ``Small business concern.''
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Revise part 27 to read as follows:
PART 27--PATENTS, DATA, AND COPYRIGHTS
Sec. 27.000 Scope of part. 27.001 Definition. Subpart 27.1--General 27.101 Applicability. 27.102 General guidance. Subpart 27.2--Patents 27.200 Scope of subpart. 27.201 Patent and copyright infringement liability. 27.201-1 General. 27.201-2 Contract clauses. 27.202 Royalties. 27.202-1 Reporting of royalties. 27.202-2 Notice of Government as a licensee. 27.202-3 Adjustment of royalties. 27.202-4 Refund of royalties. 27.202-5 Solicitation provisions and contract clause. 27.203 Security requirements for patent applications containing classified subject matter. 27.203-1 General. 27.203-2 Contract clause. 27.204 Patented technology under trade agreements. 27.204-1 Use of patented technology under the North American Free Trade Agreement. 27.204-2 Use of patented technology under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).
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Subpart 27.3--Patent Rights Under Government Contracts 27.300 Scope of subpart. 27.301 Definitions. 27.302 Policy. 27.303 Contract clauses. 27.304 Procedures. 27.304-1 General. 27.304-2 Contracts placed by or for other Government agencies. 27.304-3 Subcontracts. 27.304-4 Appeals. 27.305 Administration of patent rights clauses. 27.305-1 Goals. 27.305-2 Administration by the Government. 27.305-3 Securing invention rights acquired by the Government. 27.305-4 Protection of invention disclosures. 27.306 Licensing background patent rights to third parties. Subpart 27.4--Rights in Data and Copyrights 27.400 Scope of subpart. 27.401 Definitions. 27.402 Policy. 27.403 Data rights--General. 27.404 Basic rights in Data clause. 27.404-1 Unlimited rights data. 27.404-2 Limited rights data and restricted computer software. 27.404-3 Copyrighted works. 27.404-4 Contractor's release, publication, and use of data. 27.404-5 Unauthorized, omitted, or incorrect markings. 27.404-6 Inspection of data at the contractor's facility. 27.405 Other data rights provisions. 27.405-1 Special works. 27.405-2 Existing works. 27.405-3 Commercial computer software. 27.406 Acquisition of data. 27.406-1 General. 27.406-2 Additional data requirements. 27.406-3 Major system acquisition. 27.407 Rights to technical data in successful proposals. 27.408 Cosponsored research and development activities. 27.409 Solicitation provisions and contract clauses. Subpart 27.5--Foreign License and Technical Assistance Agreements 27.501 General.
Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. chapter 137; and 42 U.S.C. 2473(c).
27.000 Scope of part.
This part prescribes the policies, procedures, solicitation provisions, and contract clauses pertaining to patents, data, and copyrights.
27.001 Definition.
United States, as used in this part, means the 50 States and the District of Columbia, U.S. territories and possessions, Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
27.101 Applicability.
This part applies to all agencies. However, agencies are authorized to adopt alternate policies, procedures, solicitation provisions, and contract clauses to the extent necessary to meet the specific requirements of laws, executive orders, treaties, or international agreements. Any agency adopting alternate policies, procedures, solicitation provisions, and contract clauses should include them in the agency's published regulations.
27.102 General guidance.
(a) The Government encourages the maximum practical commercial use of inventions made under Government contracts.
(b) Generally, the Government will not refuse to award a contract on the grounds that the prospective contractor may infringe a patent. The Government may authorize and consent to the use of inventions in the performance of certain contracts, even though the inventions may be covered by U.S. patents.
(c) Generally, contractors providing commercial items should indemnify the Government against liability for the infringement of U.S. patents.
(d) The Government recognizes rights in data developed at private expense, and limits its demands for delivery of that data. When such data is delivered, the Government will acquire only those rights essential to its needs.
(e) Generally, the Government requires that contractors obtain permission from copyright owners before including copyrighted works, owned by others, in data to be delivered.
Subpart 27.2--Patents
27.200 Scope of subpart.
This subpart prescribes policies and procedures with respect to--
(a) Patent and copyright infringement liability;
(b) Royalties;
(c) Security requirements for patent applications containing classified subject matter; and
(d) Patented technology under trade agreements.
27.201 Patent and copyright infringement liability.
27.201-1 General.
(a) Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1498, the exclusive remedy for patent or copyright infringement by or on behalf of the Government is a suit for monetary damages against the Government in the Court of Federal Claims. There is no injunctive relief available, and there is no direct cause of action against a contractor that is infringing a patent or copyright on behalf of the Government (e.g., while performing a contract).
(b) The Government may expressly authorize and consent to a contractor's use or manufacture of inventions covered by U.S. patents by inserting the clause at 52.227-1, Authorization and Consent.
(c) Because of the exclusive remedies granted in 28 U.S.C. 1498, the Government requires notice and assistance from its contractors regarding any claims for patent or copyright infringement by inserting the clause at 52.227-2, Notice and Assistance Regarding Patent and Copyright Infringement.
(d) The Government may require a contractor to reimburse it for liability for patent infringement arising out of a contract for commercial items by inserting the clause at FAR 52.227-3, Patent Indemnity.
27.201-2 Contract clauses.
(a)(1) Insert the clause at 52.227-1, Authorization and Consent, in solicitations and contracts except that use of the clause is--
(i) Optional when using simplified acquisition procedures; and
(ii) Prohibited when both complete performance and delivery are outside the United States.
(2) Use the clause with its Alternate I in all R&D solicitations and contracts for which the primary purpose is R&D work, except that this alternate shall not be used in construction and architect-engineer contracts unless the contract calls exclusively for R&D work.
(3) Use the clause with its Alternate II in solicitations and contracts for communication services with a common carrier and if services are unregulated and not priced by a tariff schedule set by a regulatory body.
(b) Insert the clause at 52.227-2, Notice and Assistance Regarding Patent and Copyright Infringement, in all solicitations and contracts that include the clause at 52.227-1, Authorization and Consent.
(c)(1) Insert the clause at 52.227-3, Patent Indemnity, in solicitations and contracts that may result in the delivery of commercial items, unless--
(i) The simplified acquisition procedures of Part 13 are used;
(ii) Part 12 procedures are used;
(iii) Both complete performance and delivery are outside the United States; or
(iv) The contracting officer determines after consultation with legal counsel that omission of the clause would be consistent with commercial practice.
(2) Use the clause with either its Alternate I (identification of excluded
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items) or II (identification of included items) if--
(i) The contract also requires delivery of noncommercial items; or
(ii) The contracting officer determines after consultation with legal counsel that limitation of applicability of the clause would be consistent with commercial practice.
(3) Use the clause with its Alternate III if the solicitation or contract is for communication services and facilities where performance is by a common carrier, and the services are unregulated and are not priced by a tariff schedule set by a regulatory body.
(d)(1) Insert the clause at 52.227-4, Patent Indemnity-- Construction Contracts, in solicitations and contracts for construction or that are fixed-price for dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements. Do not insert the clause in contracts solely for architect-engineer services.
(2) If the contracting officer determines that the construction will necessarily involve the use of structures, products, materials, equipment, processes, or methods that are nonstandard, noncommercial, or special, the contracting officer may expressly exclude them from the patent indemnification by using the clause with its Alternate I. Note that this exclusion is for items, as distinguished from identified patents (see paragraph (e) of this subsection).
(e) It may be in the Government's interest to exempt specific U.S. patents from the patent indemnity clause. Exclusion from indemnity of identified patents, as distinguished from items, is the prerogative of the agency head. Upon written approval of the agency head, the contracting officer may insert the clause at 52.227-5, Waiver of Indemnity, in solicitations and contracts in addition to the appropriate patent indemnity clause.
(f) If a patent indemnity clause is not prescribed, the contracting officer may include one in the solicitation and contract if it is in the Government's interest to do so.
(g) The contracting officer shall not include in any solicitation or contract any clause whereby the Government agrees to indemnity a contractor for patent infringement.
27.202 Royalties.
27.202-1 Reporting of royalties.
(a) To determine whether royalties anticipated or actually paid under Government contracts are excessive, improper, or inconsistent with Government patent rights, the solicitation provision at 52.227-6 requires prospective contractors to furnish royalty information. The contracting officer shall take appropriate action to reduce or eliminate excessive or improper royalties.
(b) If the response to a solicitation includes a charge for royalties, the contracting officer shall, before award of the contract, forward the information to the office having cognizance of patent matters for the contracting activity. The cognizant office shall promptly advise the contracting officer of appropriate action.
(c) The contracting officer, when considering the approval of a subcontract, must require royalty information if it is required under the prime contract. The contracting officer shall forward the information to the office having cognizance of patent matters. However, the contracting officer need not delay consent while awaiting advice from the cognizant office.
(d) The contracting officer shall forward any royalty reports to the office having cognizance of patent matters for the contracting activity.
27.202-2 Notice of Government as a licensee.
(a) When the Government is obligated to pay a royalty on a patent because of an existing license agreement and the contracting officer believes that the licensed patent will be applicable to a prospective contract, the Government should furnish the prospective offerors with--
(1) Notice of the license;
(2) The number of the patent; and
(3) The royalty rate cited in the license.
(b) When the Government is obligated to pay such a royalty, the solicitation should also require offerors to furnish information indicating whether or not each offeror is the patent owner or a licensee under the patent. This information is necessary so that the Government may either--
(1) Evaluate an offeror's price by adding an amount equal to the royalty; or
(2) Negotiate a price reduction with an offeror when the offeror is licensed under the same patent at a lower royalty rate.
27.202-3 Adjustment of royalties.
(a) If at any time the contracting officer believes that any royalties paid, or to be paid, under a contract or subcontract are inconsistent with Government rights, excessive, or otherwise improper, the contracting officer shall promptly report the facts to the office having cognizance of patent matters for the contracting activity concerned.
(b) In coordination with the cognizant office, the contracting officer shall promptly act to protect the Government against payment of royalties--
(1) With respect to which the Government has a royalty-free license;
(2) At a rate in excess of the rate at which the Government is licensed; or
(3) When the royalties in whole or in part otherwise constitute an improper charge.
(c) In appropriate cases, the contracting officer, in coordination with the cognizant office, shall demand a refund pursuant to any refund of royalties clause in the contract (see 27.202-4) or negotiate for a reduction of royalties.
(d) For guidance in evaluating information furnished pursuant to 27.202-1, see 31.205-37. See also 31.109 regarding advance understandings on particular cost items, including royalties.
27.202-4 Refund of royalties.
The clause at 52.227-9, Refund of Royalties, establishes procedures to pay the contractor royalties under the contract and recover royalties not paid by the contractor when the royalties were included in the contractor's fixed price.
27.202-5 Solicitation provisions and contract clause.
(a)(1) Insert a solicitation provision substantially the same as the provision at 52.227-6, Royalty Information, in--
(i) Any solicitation that may result in a negotiated contract for which royalty information is desired and for which cost or pricing data are obtained under 15.403; or
(ii) Sealed bid solicitations only if the need for such information is approved at a level above the contracting officer as being necessary for proper protection of the Government's interests.
(2) If the solicitation is for communication services and facilities by a common carrier, use the provision with its Alternate I.
(b) If the Government is obligated to pay a royalty on a patent involved in the prospective contract, insert in the solicitation a provision substantially the same as the provision at 52.227-7, Patents--Notice of Government Licensee. If the clause at 52.227-6 is not included in the solicitation, the contracting officer may require offerors to provide information sufficient to provide this notice to the other offerors.
(c) Insert the clause at 52.227-9, Refund of Royalties, in negotiated fixed-price solicitations and contracts when
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royalties may be paid under the contract. If a fixed-price incentive contract is contemplated, change ``price'' to ``target cost and target profit'' wherever it appears in the clause. The clause may be used in cost-reimbursement contracts where agency approval of royalties is necessary to protect the Government's interests.
27.203 Security requirements for patent applications containing classified subject matter.
27.203-1 General.
(a) Unauthorized disclosure of classified subject matter, whether in patent applications or resulting from the issuance of a patent, may be a violation of 18 U.S.C. 792, et seq. (Espionage and Censorship), and related statutes, and may be contrary to the interests of national security.
(b) Upon receipt of a patent application under paragraph (a) or (b) of the clause at 52.227-10, Filing of Patent Applications--Classified Subject Matter, the contracting officer shall ascertain the proper security classification of the patent application. If the application contains classified subject matter, the contracting officer shall inform the contractor how to transmit the application to the United States Patent Office in accordance with procedures provided by legal counsel. If the material is classified ``Secret'' or higher, the contracting officer shall make every effort to notify the contractor within 30 days of the Government's determination, pursuant to paragraph (a) of the clause.
(c) Upon receipt of information furnished by the contractor under paragraph (d) of the clause at 52.227-10, the contracting officer shall promptly submit that information to legal counsel in order that the steps necessary to ensure the security of the application will be taken.
(d) The contracting officer shall act promptly on requests for approval of foreign filing under paragraph (c) of the clause at 52.227- 10 in order to avoid the loss of valuable patent rights of the Government or the contractor.
27.203-2 Contract clause.
Insert the clause at 52.227-10, Filing of Patent Applications-- Classified Subject Matter, in all classified solicitations and contracts and in all solicitations and contracts where the nature of the work reasonably might result in a patent application containing classified subject matter.
27.204 Patented technology under trade agreements.
27.204-1 Use of patented technology under the North American Free Trade Agreement.
(a) The requirements of this section apply to the use of technology covered by a valid patent when the patent holder is from a country that is a party to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
(b) Article 1709(10) of NAFTA generally requires a user of technology covered by a valid patent to make a reasonable effort to obtain authorization prior to use of the patented technology. However, NAFTA provides that this requirement for authorization may be waived in situations of national emergency or other circumstances of extreme urgency, or for public noncommercial use.
(c) Section 6 of Executive Order 12889, ``Implementation of the North American Free Trade Act,'' of December 27, 1993, waives the requirement to obtain advance authorization for an invention used or manufactured by or for the Federal Government. However, the patent owner shall be notified in advance whenever the agency or its contractor knows or has reasonable grounds to know, without making a patent search, that an invention described in and covered by a valid U.S. patent is or will be used or manufactured without a license. In cases of national emergency or other circumstances of extreme urgency, this notification need not be made in advance, but must be made as soon as reasonably practicable.
(d) The contracting officer, in consultation with the office having cognizance of patent matters, shall ensure compliance with the notice requirements of NAFTA Article 1709(10) and Executive Order 12889. A contract award should not be suspended pending notification to the patent owner.
(e) Section 6(c) of Executive Order 12889 provides that the notice to the patent owner does not constitute an admission of infringement of a valid privately owned patent.
(f) When addressing issues regarding compensation for the use of patented technology, Government personnel should be advised that NAFTA uses the term ``adequate remuneration.'' Executive Order 12889 equates ``remuneration'' to ``reasonable and entire compensation'' as used in 28 U.S.C. 1498, the statute that gives jurisdiction to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims to hear patent and copyright cases involving infringement by the Government.
(g) When questions arise regarding the notice requirements or other matters relating to this section, the contracting officer should consult with legal counsel.
27.204-2 Use of patented technology under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).
Article 31 of Annex 1C, Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, to GATT (Uruguay Round) addresses situations where the law of a member country allows for use of a patent without authorization, including use by the Government.
Subpart 27.3--Patent Rights Under Government Contracts
27.300 Scope of subpart.
This subpart prescribes policies, procedures, solicitation provisions, and contract clauses pertaining to inventions made in the performance of work under a Government contract or subcontract for experimental, developmental, or research work. Agency policies, procedures, solicitation provisions, and contract clauses may be specified in agency supplemental regulations as permitted by law.
27.301 Definitions.
As used in this subpart--
Invention means any invention or discovery that is or may be patentable or otherwise protectable under title 35 of the U.S. Code, or any novel variety of plant that is or may be protectable under the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2321, et seq.).
Made, when used in relation to any invention, means the conception or first actual reduction to practice of the invention.
Nonprofit organization means a university or other institution of higher education or an organization of the type described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 U.S.C. 501(c)) and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 501(a)), or any nonprofit scientific or educational organization qualified under a State nonprofit organization statute.
Practical application means to manufacture, in the case of a composition or product; to practice, in the case of a process or method; or to operate, in the case of a machine or system; and, in each case, under such conditions as to establish that the invention is being utilized and that its benefits are, to the extent permitted by law or Government regulations,
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available to the public on reasonable terms.
Subject invention means any invention of the contractor made in the performance of work under a Government contract; provided, that in the case of a variety of plant, the date of determination defined in 7 U.S.C. 2401(d) must also occur during the period of contract performance.
27.302 Policy.
(a) Introduction. In accordance with chapter 18 of title 35, U.S.C. (as implemented by 37 CFR part 401), Presidential Memorandum on Government Patent Policy to the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies dated February 18, 1983, and Executive Order 12591, Facilitating Access to Science and Technology dated April 10, 1987, it is the policy and objective of the Government to--
(1) Use the patent system to promote the use of inventions arising from federally supported research or development;
(2) Encourage maximum participation of industry in federally supported research and development efforts;
(3) Ensure that these inventions are used in a manner to promote free competition and enterprise;
(4) Promote the commercialization and public availability of the inventions made in the United States by United States industry and labor;
(5) Ensure that the Government obtains sufficient rights in federally supported inventions to meet the needs of the Government and protect the public against nonuse or unreasonable use of inventions; and
(6) Minimize the costs of administering patent policies.
(b) Contractor right to elect title. (1) Generally, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 202 and the Presidential memorandum and Executive order cited in paragraph (a) of this section, each contractor may, after required disclosure to the Government, elect to retain title to any subject invention.
(2) A contract may require the contractor to assign to the Government title to any subject invention--
(i) When the contractor is not located in the United States or does not have a place of business located in the United States or is subject to the control of a foreign government (see 27.303(c));
(ii) In exceptional circumstances, when an agency determines that restriction or elimination of the right to retain title in any subject invention will better promote the policy and objectives of chapter 18 of title 35, U.S.C. and the Presidential memorandum;
(iii) When a Government authority, that is authorized by statute or Executive order to conduct foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities, determines that the restriction or elimination of the right to retain title to any subject invention is necessary to protect the security of such activities;
(iv) When the contract includes the operation of a Government- owned, contractor-operated facility of the Department of Energy (DoE) primarily dedicated to the Department's naval nuclear propulsion or weapons related programs and all funding agreement limitations under 35 U.S.C. 202(a)(iv) for agreements with small business concerns and nonprofit organizations are limited to inventions occurring under the above two programs; or
(v) Pursuant to statute or in accordance with agency regulations.
(3) When the Government has the right to acquire title to a subject invention, the contractor may, nevertheless, request greater rights to a subject invention (see 27.304-1(c)).
(4) Consistent with 37 CFR part 401, when a contract with a small business concern or nonprofit organization requires assignment of title to the Government based on the exceptional circumstances enumerated in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section for reasons of national security, the contract shall still provide the contractor with the right to elect ownership to any subject invention that--
(i) Is not classified by the agency; or
(ii) Is not limited from dissemination by the DoE within 6 months from the date it is reported to the agency.
(5) Contracts in support of DoE's naval nuclear propulsion program are exempted from this paragraph (b).
(6) When a contract involves a series of separate task orders, an agency may apply the exceptions at paragraph (b)(2)(ii) or (iii) of this section to individual task orders.
(c) Government license. The Government shall have at least a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license to practice, or have practiced for or on behalf of the United States, any subject invention throughout the world. The Government may require additional sublicense rights in order to comply with treaties or other international agreements. In such case, the sublicense rights must be made a part of the contract (see 27.303).
(d) Government right to receive title. (1) In addition to the right to obtain title to subject inventions pursuant to paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (b)(2)(v) of this section, the Government has the right to receive title to an invention--
(i) If the contractor has not disclosed the invention within the time specified in the clause; or
(ii) In any country where the contractor--
(A) Does not elect to retain rights or fails to elect to retain rights to the invention within the time specified in the clause;
(B) Has not filed a patent application within the time specified in the clause;
(C) Decides not to continue prosecution of a patent application, pay maintenance fees, or defend in a reexamination or opposition proceeding on the patent; or
(D) No longer desires to retain title.
(2) For the purposes of this paragraph, filing in a European Patent Office Region or under the Patent Cooperation Treaty constitutes election in the countries selected in the application(s).
(e) Utilization reports. The Government has the right to require periodic reporting on how any subject invention is being used by the contractor or its licensees or assignees. In accordance with 35 U.S.C. 202(c)(5) and 37 CFR part 401, agencies shall not disclose such utilization reports to persons outside the Government without permission of the contractor. Contractors should mark as confidential/ proprietary any utilization report to help prevent inadvertent release outside the Government.
(f) March-in rights. (1) Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 203, agencies have certain march-in rights that require the contractor, an assignee, or exclusive licensee of a subject invention to grant a nonexclusive, partially exclusive, or exclusive license in any field of use to responsible applicants upon terms that are reasonable under the circumstances. If the contractor, assignee or exclusive licensee of a subject invention refuses to grant such a license, the agency can grant the license itself. March-in rights may be exercised only if the agency determines that this action is necessary--
(i) Because the contractor or assignee has not taken, or is not expected to take within a reasonable time, effective steps to achieve practical application of the subject invention in the field(s) of use;
(ii) To alleviate health or safety needs that are not reasonably satisfied by the contractor, assignee, or their licensees;
(iii) To meet requirements for public use specified by Federal regulations and these requirements are not reasonably satisfied by the contractor, assignee, or licensees; or
(iv) Because the agreement required by paragraph (g) of this section has neither been obtained nor waived, or because a licensee of the exclusive right to use or sell any subject invention in the United States is in breach of its
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agreement obtained pursuant to paragraph (g) of this section.
(2) The agency shall not exercise its march-in rights unless the contractor has been provided a reasonable time to present facts and show cause why the proposed agency action should not be taken. The agency shall provide the contractor an opportunity to dispute or appeal the proposed action in accordance with 27.304-1(g).
(g) Preference for United States industry. Unless provided otherwise in accordance with 27.304-1(f), contracts provide that no contractor that receives title to any subject invention and no assignee of the contractor shall grant to any person the exclusive right to use or sell any subject invention in the United States unless that person agrees that any products embodying the subject invention or produced through the use of the subject invention will be manufactured substantially in the United States (see 35 U.S.C. 204). However, in individual cases, the requirement for this agreement may be waived by the agency upon a showing by the contractor or assignee that reasonable but unsuccessful efforts have been made to grant licenses on similar terms to potential licensees that would be likely to manufacture substantially in the United States or that under the circumstances domestic manufacture is not commercially feasible.
(h) Special conditions for nonprofit organizations' preference for small business concerns. (1) Nonprofit organization contractors are expected to use reasonable efforts to attract small business licensees (see paragraph (j)(4) of the clause at 52.227-11, Patent Rights-- Retention by the Contractor). What constitutes reasonable efforts to attract small business licensees will vary with the circumstances and the nature, duration, and expense of efforts needed to bring the invention to the market.
(2) Small business concerns that believe a nonprofit organization is not meeting its obligations under the clause may report the matter to the Secretary of Commerce. To the extent deemed appropriate, the Secretary of Commerce will undertake informal investigation of the matter and may discuss or negotiate with the nonprofit organization ways to improve its efforts to meet its obligations under the clause. However, in no event will the Secretary of Commerce intervene in ongoing negotiations or contractor decisions concerning the licensing of a specific subject invention. These investigations, discussions, and negotiations involving the Secretary of Commerce will be in coordination with other interested agencies, including the Small Business Administration. In the case of a contract for the operation of a Government-owned, contractor-operated research or production facility, the Secretary of Commerce will coordinate with the agency responsible for the facility prior to any discussions or negotiations with the contractor.
(i) Minimum rights to contractor. (1) When the Government acquires title to a subject invention, the contractor is normally granted a revocable, nonexclusive, paid-up license to that subject invention throughout the world. The contractor's license extends to its domestic subsidiaries and affiliates, if any, within the corporate structure of which the contractor is a part and includes the right to grant sublicenses to the extent the contractor was legally obligated to do so at the time of contract award. The contracting officer shall approve any transfer of the contractor's licenses except when the transfer is to the successor of that part of the contractor's business to which the subject invention pertains.
(2) In response to a third party's proper application for an exclusive license, the contractor's domestic license may be revoked or modified to the extent necessary to achieve expeditious practical application of the subject invention. The application shall be submitted in accordance with the applicable provisions in 37 CFR part 404 and agency licensing regulations. The contractor's license will not be revoked in that field of use or the geographical areas in which the contractor has achieved practical application and continues to make the benefits of the subject invention reasonably accessible to the public. The license in any foreign country may be revoked or modified to the extent the contractor, its licensees, or its domestic subsidiaries or affiliates have failed to achieve practical application in that country. (See the procedures at 27.304-1(f).)
(j) Confidentiality of inventions. Publishing information concerning an invention before a patent application is filed on a subject invention may create a bar to a valid patent. To avoid this bar, agencies may withhold information from the public that discloses any invention in which the Federal Government owns or may own a right, title, or interest (including a nonexclusive license) (see 35 U.S.C. 205 and 37 CFR part 401). Agencies may only withhold information concerning inventions for a reasonable time in order for a patent application to be filed. Once filed in any patent office, agencies are not required to release copies of any document that is a part of a patent application for those subject inventions.
27.303 Contract clauses.
(a)(1) Insert a patent rights clause in all solicitations and contracts for experimental, developmental, or research work as prescribed in this section.
(2) This section also applies to solicitations or contracts for construction work or architect-engineer services that include--
(i) Experimental, developmental, or research work;
(ii) Test and evaluation studies; or
(iii) The design of a Government facility that may involve novel structures, machines, products, materials, processes, or equipment (including construction equipment).
(3) The contracting officer shall not include a patent rights clause in solicitations or contracts for construction work or architect-engineer services that call for or can be expected to involve only ``standard types of construction.'' ``Standard types of construction'' are those involving previously developed equipment, methods, and processes and in which the distinctive features include only--
(i) Variations in size, shape, or capacity of conventional structures; or
(ii) Purely artistic or aesthetic (as distinguished from functionally significant) architectural configurations and designs of both structural and nonstructural members or groupings, whether or not they qualify for design patent protection.
(b)(1) Unless an alternative patent rights clause is used in accordance with paragraph (c), (d), or (e) of this section, insert the clause at 52.227-11, Patent Rights--Ownership by the Contractor.
(2) To the extent the information is not required elsewhere in the contract, and unless otherwise specified by agency supplemental regulations, the contracting officer may modify 52.227-11(e) or otherwise supplement the clause to require the contractor to do one or more of the following:
(i) Provide periodic (but not more frequently than annually) listings of all subject inventions required to be disclosed during the period covered by the report.
(ii) Provide a report prior to the closeout of the contract listing all subject inventions or stating that there were none.
(iii) Provide the filing date, serial number, title, patent number, and issue date for any patent application filed on any subject invention in any country or, upon request, copies of any patent application so identified.
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(iv) Furnish the Government an irrevocable power to inspect and make copies of the patent application file when a Federal Government employee is a co-inventor.
(3) Use the clause with its Alternate I if the Government must grant a foreign government a sublicense in subject inventions pursuant to a specified treaty or executive agreement. The contracting officer may modify Alternate I, if the agency head determines, at contract award, that it would be in the national interest to sublicense foreign governments or international organizations pursuant to any existing or future treaty or agreement. When necessary to effectuate a treaty or agreement, Alternate I may be appropriately modified.
(4) Use the clause with its Alternate II in contracts that may be affected by existing or future treaties or agreements.
(5) Use the clause with its Alternate III in contracts with nonprofit organizations for the operation of a Government-owned facility.
(6) If the contract is for the operation of a Government-owned facility, the contracting officer may use the clause with its Alternate IV.
(c) Insert a patent rights clause in accordance with the procedures at 27.304-2 if the solicitation or contract is being placed on behalf of another Government agency.
(d) Insert a patent rights clause in accordance with agency procedures if the solicitation or contract is for DoD, DoE, or NASA, and the contractor is other than a small business concern or nonprofit organization.
(e)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (e)(2) of this section, and after compliance with the applicable procedures in 27.304-1(b), the contracting officer may insert the clause at 52.227-13, Patent Rights-- Ownership by the Government, or a clause prescribed by agency supplemental regulations, if--
(i) The contractor is not located in the United States or does not have a place of business located in the United States or is subject to the control of a foreign government;
(ii) There are exceptional circumstances and the agency head determines that restriction or elimination of the right to retain title to any subject invention will better promote the policy and objectives of chapter 18 of title 35 of the United States Code;
(iii) A Government authority that is authorized by statute or Executive order to conduct foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities determines that restriction or elimination of the right to retain any subject invention is necessary to protect the security of such activities; or
(iv) The contract includes the operation of a Government-owned, contractor-operated facility of the Department of Energy primarily dedicated to that Department's naval nuclear propulsion or weapons related programs.
(2) If an agency exercises the exceptions at paragraph (e)(1)(ii) or (iii) of this section in a contract with a small business concern or a nonprofit organization, the contracting officer shall use the clause at 52.227-11 with only those modifications necessary to address the exceptional circumstances and shall include in the modified clause greater rights determinations procedures equivalent to those at 52.227- 13(b)(2).
(3) When using the clause at 52.227-13, Patent Rights--Ownership by the Government, the contracting officer may supplement the clause to require the contractor to--
(i) Furnish a copy of each subcontract containing a patent rights clause (but if a copy of a subcontract is furnished under another clause, a duplicate shall not be requested under the patent rights clause);
(ii) Submit interim and final invention reports listing subject inventions and notifying the contracting officer of all subcontracts awarded for experimental, developmental, or research work;
(iii) Provide the filing date, serial number, title, patent number, and issue date for any patent application filed on any subject invention in any country or, upon specific request, copies of any patent application so identified; and
(iv) Submit periodic reports on the utilization of a subject invention.
(4) Use the clause at 52.227-13 with its Alternate I if--
(i) The Government must grant a foreign government a sublicense in subject inventions pursuant to a treaty or executive agreement; or
(ii) The agency head determines, at contract award, that it would be in the national interest to sublicense foreign governments or international organizations pursuant to any existing or future treaty or agreement. If other rights are necessary to effectuate any treaty or agreement, Alternate I may be appropriately modified.
(5) Use the clause at 52.227-13 with its Alternate II in the contract when necessary to effectuate an existing or future treaty or agreement.
27.304 Procedures.
27.304-1 General.
(a) Status as small business concern or nonprofit organization. If an agency has reason to question the size or nonprofit status of the prospective contractor, the agency may require the prospective contractor to furnish evidence of its status or file a protest in accordance with 13 CFR 121.1005.
(b) Exceptions. (1) Before using any of the exceptions under 27.303(e)(1) in a contract with a small business concern or a nonprofit organization and before using the exception of 27.303(e)(1)(ii) for any contractor, the agency shall follow the applicable procedures at 37 CFR part 401.
(2) A small business concern or nonprofit organization is entitled to an administrative review of the use of the exceptions at 27.303(e)(1)(i) through (e)(1)(iv) pursuant to agency procedures and 37 CFR part 401.
(c) Greater rights determinations. Whenever the contract contains the clause at 52.227-13, Patent Rights--Ownership by the Government, or a patent rights clause modified pursuant to 27.303(e)(2), the contractor (or an employee-inventor of the contractor after consultation with the contractor) may request greater rights to an identified invention within the period specified in the clause. The contracting officer may grant requests for greater rights if the contracting officer determines that the interests of the United States and the general public will be better served.
In making these determinations, the contracting officer shall consider at least the following objectives:
(1) Promoting the utilization of inventions arising from federally supported research and development.
(2) Ensuring that inventions are used in a manner to promote full and open competition and free enterprise.
(3) Promoting public availability of inventions made in the United States by United States industry and labor.
(4) Ensuring that the Government obtains sufficient rights in federally supported inventions to meet the needs of the Government and protect the public against nonuse or unreasonable use of inventions.
(d) Retention of rights by inventor. If the contractor elects not to retain title to a subject invention, the agency may consider and, after consultation with the contractor, grant requests for retention of rights by the inventor. Retention of rights by the inventor will be subject to the conditions in paragraphs (d) (except paragraph (d)(1)(i)), (e)(4), (g), (h), and
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(i) of the clause at 52.227-11, Patent Rights--Ownership by the Contractor.
(e) Government assignment to contractor of rights in Government employees' inventions. When a Government employee is a co-inventor of an invention made under a contract with a small business concern or nonprofit organization, the agency employing the co-inventor may transfer or assign whatever rights it may acquire in the subject invention from its employee to the contractor, subject at least to the conditions of 35 U.S.C. 202-204.
(f) Revocation or modification of contractor's minimum rights. Before revoking or modifying the contractor's license in accordance with 27.302(i)(2), the contracting officer shall furnish the contractor a written notice of intention to revoke or modify the license. The agency shall allow the contractor at least 30 days (or another time as may be authorized for good cause by the contracting officer) after the notice to show cause why the license should not be revoked or modified. The contractor has the right to appeal, in accordance with applicable regulations in 37 CFR part 404 and agency licensing regulations, any decisions concerning the revocation or modification.
(g) Exercise of march-in rights. When exercising march-in rights, agencies must follow the procedures set forth in 37 CFR 401.6.
(h) Licenses and assignments under contracts with nonprofit organizations. If the contractor is a nonprofit organization, the clause at 52.227-11 provides that certain contractor actions require agency approval, as specified below. A contractor may not assign rights to a subject invention in the United States without the written approval of the agency, except when the assignment is made to an organization that has as one of its primary functions the management of inventions (provided that the assignee is subject to the same provisions as the contractor).
27.304-2 Contracts placed by or for other Government agencies.
The following procedures apply unless an interagency agreement provides otherwise:
(a) When a Government agency requests another Government agency to award a contract on its behalf, the request should explain any special circumstances surrounding the contract and specify the patent rights clause to be used. The clause should be selected and modified, if necessary, in accordance with the policies and procedures of this subpart. If, however, the request states that a clause of the requesting agency is required (e.g., because of statutory requirements, a deviation, or exceptional circumstances), the awarding agency shall use that clause rather than those of this subpart.
(1) If the request states that an agency clause is required and the work to be performed under the contract is not severable and is funded wholly or in part by the requesting agency, then include the requesting agency clause and no other patent rights clause in the contract.
(2) If the request states that an agency clause is required, and the work to be performed under the contract is severable, then the contracting officer shall assure that the requesting agency clause applies only to that severable portion of the work and that the work for the awarding agency is subject to the appropriate patent rights clause.
(3) If the request states that a requesting agency clause is not required in any resulting contract, the awarding agency shall use the appropriate patent rights clause, if any.
(b) Any action requiring an agency determination, report, or deviation involved in the use of the requesting agency's clause is the responsibility of the requesting agency unless the agencies agree otherwise. However, the awarding agency may not alter the requesting agency's clause without prior approval of the requesting agency.
(c) The requesting agency may require, and provide instructions regarding, the forwarding or handling of any invention disclosures or other reporting requirements of the specified clauses. Normally, the requesting agency is responsible for the administration of any subject inventions. This responsibility shall be established in advance of awarding any contracts.
27.304-3 Subcontracts.
(a) The policies and procedures in this subpart apply to all subcontracts at any tier.
(b) Whenever a prime contractor or a subcontractor considers including a particular clause in a subcontract to be inappropriate or a subcontractor refuses to accept the clause, the contracting officer, in consultation with counsel, shall resolve the matter.
(c) It is Government policy that contractors shall not use their ability to award subcontracts as economic leverage to acquire rights for themselves in inventions resulting from subcontracts.
27.304-4 Appeals.
(a) The designated agency official shall provide the contractor with a written statement of the basis, including any relevant facts, for taking any of the following actions:
(1) A refusal to grant an extension to the invention disclosure period under paragraph (c)(4) of the clause at 52.227-11.
(2) A demand for a conveyance of title to the Government under 27.302(d)(1)(i) and (ii).
(3) A refusal to grant a waiver under 27.302(g), Preference for United States industry.
(4) A refusal to approve an assignment under 27.304-1(h).
(b) Each agency may establish and publish procedures under which any of these actions may be appealed. These appeal procedures should include administrative due process procedures and standards for fact- finding. The resolution of any appeal shall consider both the factual and legal basis for the action and its consistency with the policy and objectives of 35 U.S.C. 200-206 and 210.
(c) To the extent that any of the actions described in paragraph (a) of this section are subject to appeal under the Contract Disputes Act, the procedures under that Act will satisfy the requirements of paragraph (b).
27.305 Administration of patent rights clauses.
27.305-1 Goals.
(a) Contracts having a patent rights clause should be so administered that--
(1) Inventions are identified, disclosed, and reported as required by the contract, and elections are made;
(2) The rights of the Government in subject inventions are established;
(3) When patent protection is appropriate, patent applications are timely filed and prosecuted by contractors or by the Government;
(4) The rights of the Government in filed patent applications are documented by formal instruments such as licenses or assignments; and
(5) Expeditious commercial utilization of subject inventions is achieved.
(b) If a subject invention is made under a contract funded by more than one agency, at the request of the contractor or on their own initiative, the agencies shall designate one agency as responsible for administration of the rights of the Government in the invention.
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27.305-2 Administration by the Government.
(a) Agencies should establish and maintain appropriate follow-up procedures to protect the Government's interest and to check that subject inventions are identified and disclosed, and when appropriate, patent applications are filed, and that the Government's rights therein are established and protected. Follow-up activities for contracts that include a clause referenced in 27.304-2 should be coordinated with the appropriate agency.
(b)(1) The contracting officer administering the contract (or other representative specifically designated in the contract for this purpose) is responsible for receiving invention disclosures, reports, confirmatory instruments, notices, requests, and other documents and information submitted by the contractor pursuant to a patent rights clause.
(i) For other than confirmatory instruments, if the contractor fails to furnish documents or information as called for by the clause within the time required, the contracting officer shall promptly request the contractor to supply the required documents or information. If the failure persists, the contracting officer shall take appropriate action to secure compliance.
(ii) If the contractor does not furnish confirmatory instruments within 6 months after filing each patent application, or within 6 months after submitting the invention disclosure if the application has been previously filed, the contracting officer shall request the contractor to supply the required documents.
(2) The contracting officer shall promptly furnish all invention disclosures, reports, confirmatory instruments, notices, requests, and other documents and information relating to patent rights clauses to legal counsel.
(c) Contracting activities should establish appropriate procedures to detect and correct failures by the contractor to comply with its obligations under the patent rights clauses, such as failures to disclose and report subject inventions, both during and after contract performance. Government effort to review and correct contractor compliance with its patent rights obligations should be directed primarily toward contracts that are more likely to result in subject inventions significant in number or quality. These contracts include contracts of a research, developmental, or experimental nature; contracts of a large dollar amount; and any other contracts when there is reason to believe the contractor may not be complying with its contractual obligations. Other contracts may be reviewed using a spot- check method, as feasible. Appropriate follow-up procedures and activities may include the investigation or review of selected contracts or contractors by those qualified in patent and technical matters to detect failures to comply with contract obligations.
(d) Follow-up activities should include, where appropriate, use of Government patent personnel--
(1) To interview agency technical personnel to identify novel developments made in contracts;
(2) To review technical reports submitted by contractors with cognizant agency technical personnel;
(3) To check the Official Gazette of the United States Patent and Trademark Office and other sources for patents issued to the contractor in fields related to its Government contracts; and
(4) To have cognizant Government personnel interview contractor personnel regarding work under the contract involved, observe the work on site, and inspect laboratory notebooks and other records of the contractor related to work under the contract.
(e) If a contractor or subcontractor does not have a clear understanding of its obligations under the clause, or its procedures for complying with the clause are deficient, the contracting officer should explain to the contractor its obligations. The withholding of payments provision (if any) of the patent rights clause may be invoked if the contractor fails to meet the obligations required by the patents rights clause. Significant or repeated failures by a contractor to comply with the patent rights obligation in its contracts shall be documented and made a part of the general file (see 4.801(c)(3)).
27.305-3 Securing invention rights acquired by the Government.
(a) Agencies are responsible for implementing procedures necessary to protect the Government's interest in subject inventions. When the Government acquires the entire right, title, and interest in an invention by contract, the chain of title from the inventor to the Government must be clearly established. This is normally accomplished by an assignment either from each inventor to the contractor and from the contractor to the Government, or from the inventor to the Government with the consent of the contractor. When the Government's rights are limited to a license, there should be a confirmatory instrument to that effect.
(b) Agencies may, by supplemental instructions, develop suitable assignments, licenses, and other papers evidencing any rights of the Government in patents or patents applications. These instruments should be recorded in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (see Executive Order 9424, Establishing in the United States Patent Office a Register of Government Interests in Patents and Applications for Patents (February 18, 1944)).
27.305-4 Protection of invention disclosures.
(a) The Government will, to the extent authorized by 35 U.S.C. 205, withhold from disclosure to the public any invention disclosures reported under the patent rights clauses of 52.227-11 or 52.227-13 for a reasonable time in order for patent applications to be filed. The Government will follow the policy in 27.302(j) regarding protection of confidentiality.
(b) The Government should also use reasonable efforts to withhold from disclosure to the public for a reasonable time other information disclosing a subject invention. This information includes any data delivered pursuant to contract requirements provided that the contractor notifies the agency as to the identity of the data and the subject invention to which it relates at the time of delivery of the data. This notification shall be provided to both the contracting officer and to any patent representative to which the invention is reported, if other than the contracting officer.
27.306 Licensing background patent rights to third parties.
(a) A contract with a small business concern or nonprofit organization shall not contain a provision allowing the Government to require the licensing to third parties of inventions owned by the contractor that are not subject inventions unless the agency head has approved and signed a written justification in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section. The agency head may not delegate this authority and may exercise the authority only if it is determined that the--
(1) Use of the invention by others is necessary for the practice of a subject invention or for the use of a work object of the contract; and
(2) Action is necessary to achieve the practical application of the subject invention or work object.
(b) Any determination will be on the record after an opportunity for a hearing, and the agency shall notify the contractor of the determination by certified or registered mail. The notification shall include a statement
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that the contractor must bring any action for judicial review of the determination within 60 days after the notification.
Subpart 27.4--Rights in Data and Copyrights
27.400 Scope of subpart.
This subpart sets forth policies and procedures regarding rights in data and copyrights, and acquisition of data. The policy statement in 27.402 applies to all executive agencies. The remainder of the subpart applies to all executive agencies except the Department of Defense.
27.401 Definitions.
As used in this subpart--
Computer data base means a collection of data in a form capable of, and for the purpose of, being stored in, processed, and operated on by a computer. The term does not include computer software.
Computer software means--
(1) Computer programs that comprise a series of instructions, rules, routines, or statements, regardless of the media in which recorded, that allow or cause a computer to perform a specific operation or series of operations; and
(2) Recorded information comprising source code listings, design details, algorithms, processes, flow charts, formulas, and related material that would enable the computer program to be produced, created, or compiled. The term does not include computer data bases or computer software documentation.
Data means recorded information, regardless of form or the media on which it may be recorded. The term includes technical data and computer software. The term does not include information incidental to contract administration, such as financial, administrative, cost or pricing, or management information.
Form, fit, and function data means data relating to items, components, or processes that are sufficient to enable physical and functional interchangeability, and data identifying source, size, configuration, mating and attachment characteristics, functional characteristics, and performance requirements. For computer software it means data identifying source, functional characteristics, and performance requirements, but specifically excludes the source code, algorithm, process, formulas, and flow charts of the software.
Limited rights means the rights of the Government in limited rights data as set forth in a Limited Rights Notice.
Limited rights data means data, other than computer software, that embody trade secrets or are commercial or financial and confidential or privileged, to the extent that such data pertain to items, components, or processes developed at private expense, including minor modifications. Agencies may, however, adopt the following alternate definition: Limited rights data means data (other than computer software) developed at private expense that embody trade secrets or are commercial or financial and confidential or privileged (see 27.404- 2(b)).
Restricted computer software means computer software developed at private expense and that is a trade secret, is commercial or financial and confidential or privileged, or is copyrighted computer software, including minor modifications of the computer software.
Restricted rights means the rights of the Government in restricted computer software as set forth in a Restricted Rights Notice.
Technical data means recorded information (regardless of the form or method of the recording) of a scientific or technical nature (including computer data bases and computer software documentation) relating to supplies procured by an agency. This term does not include computer software or financial, administrative, cost or pricing, or management data or other information incidental to contract administration. Recorded information of a scientific or technical nature that is included in computer data bases is also technical data (41 U.S.C. 403(8)).
Unlimited rights means the rights of the Government to use, disclose, reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly and display publicly, in any manner and for any purpose, and to have or permit others to do so.
27.402 Policy.
(a) To carry out their missions and programs, agencies acquire or obtain access to many kinds of data produced during or used in the performance of their contracts. Agencies require data to--
(1) Obtain competition among suppliers;
(2) Fulfill certain responsibilities for disseminating and publishing the results of their activities;
(3) Ensure appropriate utilization of the results of research, development, and demonstration activities, including the dissemination of technical information to foster subsequent technological developments;
(4) Meet other programmatic and statutory requirements; and
(5) Meet specialized acquisition needs and ensure logistics support.
(b) Contractors may have proprietary interests in data. In order to prevent the compromise of these interests, agencies must protect proprietary data from unauthorized use and disclosure. The protection of such data is also necessary to encourage qualified contractors to participate in and apply innovative concepts to Government programs. In light of these considerations, agencies must balance the Government's needs and the contractor's legitimate proprietary interests.
27.403 Data rights--General.
All contracts that require data to be produced, furnished, acquired, or used in meeting contract performance requirements must contain terms that delineate the respective rights and obligations of the Government and the contractor regarding the use, reproduction, and disclosure of that data. Data rights clauses do not specify the type, quantity or quality of data that is to be delivered, but only the respective rights of the Government and the contractor regarding the use, disclosure, or reproduction of the data. Accordingly, the contract shall specify the data to be delivered.
27.404 Basic rights in data clause.
This section describes the operation of the clause at 52.227-14, Rights in Data--General, and also the use of the provision at 52.227- 15, Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer software.
27.404-1 Unlimited rights data.
The Government acquires unlimited rights in the following data (except for copyrighted works as provided in 27.404-3):
(a) Data first produced in the performance of a contract (except to the extent the data constitute minor modifications to data that are limited rights data or restricted computer software).
(b) Form, fit, and function data delivered under contract.
(c) Data (except as may be included with restricted computer software) that constitute manuals or instructional and training material for installation, operation, or routine maintenance and repair of items, components, or processes delivered or furnished for use under a contract.
(d) All other data delivered under the contract other than limited rights data or restricted computer software (see 27.404-2).
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27.404-2 Limited rights data and restricted computer software.
(a) General. The basic clause at 52.227-14, Rights in Data-- General, enables the contractor to protect qualifying limited rights data and restricted computer software by withholding the data from the Government and instead delivering form, fit, and function data.
(b) Alternate definition of limited rights data. For contracts that do not require the development, use, or delivery of items, components, or processes that are intended to be acquired by or for the Government, an agency may adopt the alternate definition of limited rights data set forth in Alternate I to the clause at 52.227-14. The alternate definition does not require that the data pertain to items, components, or processes developed at private expense; but rather that the data were developed at private expense and embody a trade secret or are commercial or financial and confidential or privileged.
(c) Protection of limited rights data specified for delivery. (1) The clause at 52.227-14 with its Alternate II enables the Government to require delivery of limited rights data rather than allow the contractor to withhold the data. To obtain delivery, the contract may identify and specify data to be delivered, or the contracting officer may require, by written request during contract performance, the delivery of data that has been withheld or identified to be withheld under paragraph (g)(1) of the clause. In addition, the contract may specifically identify data that are not to be delivered under Alternate II or which, if delivered, will be delivered with limited rights. The limited rights obtained by the Government are set forth in the Limited Rights Notice contained in paragraph (g)(3) of Alternate II of the clause. Agencies shall not, without permission of the contractor, use limited rights data for purposes of manufacture or disclose the data outside the Government except as set forth in the Notice. Any disclosure by the Government shall be subject to prohibition against further use and disclosure by the recipient. The following are examples of specific purposes that may be adopted by an agency in its supplement and added to the Limited Rights Notice of paragraph (g)(3) of Alternate II of the clause:
(i) Use (except for manufacture) by support service contractors.
(ii) Evaluation by nongovernment evaluators.
(iii) Use (except for manufacture) by other contractors participating in the Government's program of which the specific contract is a part.
(iv) Emergency repair or overhaul work.
(v) Release to a foreign government, or its instrumentalities, if required to serve the interests of the U.S. Government, for information or evaluation, or for emergency repair or overhaul work by the foreign government.
(2) The provision at 52.227-15, Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software, helps the contracting officer to determine whether the clause at 52.227-14 should be used with its Alternate II. This provision requests that an offeror state whether limited rights data are likely to be delivered. Where limited rights data are expected to be delivered, Alternate II shall be used. Where negotiations are based on an unsolicited proposal, the need for Alternate II of the clause at 52.227-14 should be addressed during negotiations or discussions, and if Alternate II was not included initially, it may be added by modification, if needed, during contract performance.
(3) If data that would otherwise qualify as limited rights data is delivered as a computer data base, the data shall be treated as limited rights data, rather than restricted computer software, for the purposes of paragraph (g) of the clause at 52.227-14.
(d) Protection of restricted computer software specified for delivery. (1) Alternate III of the clause at 52.227-14 enables the Government to require delivery of restricted computer software rather than allow the contractor to withhold such restricted computer software. To obtain delivery of restricted computer software, the contracting officer shall--
(i) Identify and specify the deliverable computer software in the contract; or
(ii) Require by written request during contract performance, the delivery of computer software that has been withheld or identified to be withheld under paragraph (g)(1) of the clause.
(2) In considering whether to use Alternate III, contracting officers should note that, unlike other data, computer software is also an end item in itself. Thus, the contracting officer shall use Alternate III if delivery of restricted computer software is required to meet agency needs.
(3) Unless otherwise agreed (see paragraph (d)(4) of this subsection), the restricted rights obtained by the Government are set forth in the Restricted Rights Notice contained in paragraph (g)(4) of Alternate III of the clause at 52.227-14. Such restricted computer software will not be used or reproduced by the Government, or disclosed outside the Government, except that the computer software may be--
(i) Used or copied for use in or with the computer or computers for which it was acquired, including use at any Government installation to which such computer or computers may be transferred;
(ii) Used or copied for use in or with a backup computer if any computer for which it was acquired becomes inoperative;
(iii) Reproduced for safekeeping (archives) or backup purposes;
(iv) Modified, adapted, or combined with other computer software, provided that the modified, combined, or adapted portions of any derivative software incorporating restricted computer software are made subject to the same restricted rights;
(v) Disclosed to and reproduced for use by support service contractors, subject to the same restriction under which the Government acquired the software;
(vi) Used or copied for use in or transferred to a replacement computer; and
(vii) Used in accordance with paragraphs (d)(3)(i) through (v) of this subsection, without disclosure prohibitions, if the computer software is copyrighted computer software.
(4) The restricted rights set forth in paragraph (d)(3) of this section are the minimum rights the Government normally obtains with restricted computer software and will automatically apply when such software is acquired under the Restricted Rights Notice of paragraph (g)(4) of Alternate III of the clause at 52.227-14. However, the contracting officer may specify different rights in the contract, consistent with the purposes and needs for which the software is to be acquired. For example, the contracting officer should consider any networking needs or any requirements for use of the computer software from remote terminals. Also, in addressing such needs, the scope of the restricted rights may be different for the documentation accompanying the computer software than for the programs and data bases. Any additions to, or limitations on, the restricted rights set forth in the Restricted Rights Notice of paragraph (g)(4) of Alternate III of the clause at 52.227-14 shall be expressly stated in the contract or in a collateral agreement incorporated in and made part of the contract, and the notice modified accordingly.
(5) The provision at 52.227-15, Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software,
[[Page 31803]]
helps the contracting officer determine whether to use the clause at 52.227-14 with its Alternate III. This provision requests that an offeror state whether restricted computer software is likely to be delivered under the contract. In addition, the need for Alternate III should be addressed during negotiations or discussions with an offeror, particularly where negotiations are based on an unsolicited proposal. However, if Alternate III is not used initially, it may be added by modification, if needed, during contract performance.
27.404-3 Copyrighted works.
(a) Data first produced in the performance of a contract. (1) Generally, the contractor must obtain permission of the contracting officer prior to asserting rights in any copyrighted work containing data first produced in the performance of a contract. However, contractors are normally authorized, without prior approval of the contracting officer, to assert copyright in technical or scientific articles based on or containing such data that is published in academic, technical or professional journals, symposia proceedings and similar works.
(2) The contractor must make a written request for permission to assert its copyright in works containing data first produced under the contract. In its request, the contractor should identify the data involved or furnish copies of the data for which permission is requested, as well as a statement as to the intended publication or dissemination media or other purpose for which the permission is requested. Generally, a contracting officer should grant the contractor's request when copyright protection will enhance the appropriate dissemination or use of the data unless the--
(i) Data consist of a report that represents the official views of the agency or that the agency is required by statute to prepare;
(ii) Data are intended primarily for internal use by the Government;
(iii) Data are of the type that the agency itself distributes to the public under an agency program;
(iv) Government determines that limitation on distribution of the data is in the national interest; or
(v) Government determines that the data should be disseminated without restriction.
(3) Alternate IV of the clause at 52.227-14 provides a substitute paragraph (c)(1) granting permission for contractors to assert copyright in any data first produced in the performance of the contract without the need for any further requests. Except for contracts for management or operation of Government facilities and contracts and subcontracts in support of programs being conducted at those facilities or where international agreements require otherwise, Alternate IV shall be used in all contracts for basic or applied research to be performed solely by colleges and universities. Alternate IV shall not be used in contracts with colleges and universities if a purpose of the contract is for development of computer software for distribution to the public (including use in solicitations) by or on behalf of the Government. In addition, Alternate IV may be used in other contracts if an agency determines that it is not necessary for a contractor to request further permission to assert copyright in data first produced in performance of the contract. The contracting officer may exclude any data, or items or categories of data, from the provisions of Alternate IV by expressly so providing in the contract or by adding a paragraph (d)(3) to the clause, consistent with 27.404-4(b).
(4) Pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of the clause at 52.227-14, the contractor grants the Government a paid-up, nonexclusive, irrevocable, worldwide license to reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute to the public, perform publicly and display publicly by or on behalf of the Government, for all data (other than computer software) first produced in the performance of a contract. For computer software, the scope of the Government's license includes all of the above rights except the right to distribute to the public. Agencies may also obtain a license of different scope if the contracting officer determines, after consulting with legal counsel, such a license will substantially enhance the dissemination of any data first produced under the contract or if such a license is required to comply with international agreements. If an agency obtains a different license, the contractor must clearly state the scope of that license in a conspicuous place on the medium on which the data is recorded. For example, if the data is delivered as a report, the terms of the license shall be stated on the cover, or first page, of the report.
(5) The clause requires the contractor to affix the applicable copyright notices of 17 U.S.C. 401 or 402, and acknowledgment of Government sponsorship (including the contract number), to data when it asserts copyright in data. Failure to do so could result in such data being treated as unlimited rights data (see 27.404-5(b)).
(b) Data not first produced in the performance of a contract. (1) Contractors must not deliver any data that is not first produced under the contract without either--
(i) Acquiring for or granting to the Government a copyright license for the data; or
(ii) Obtaining permission from the contracting officer to do otherwise.
(2) The copyright license the Government acquires for such data will normally be of the same scope as discussed in paragraph (a)(4) of this subsection, and is set forth in paragraph (c)(2) of the clause at 52.227-14. However, agencies may obtain a license of different scope if the agency determines, after consultation with its legal counsel, that such different license will not be inconsistent with the purpose of acquiring the data. If a license of a different scope is acquired, it must be so stated in the contract and clearly set forth in a conspicuous place on the data when delivered to the Government. If the contractor delivers computer software not first produced under the contract, the contractor must grant the Government the license set forth in paragraph (g)(4) of Alternate III if included in the clause at 52.227-14, or a license agreed to in a collateral agreement made part of the contract.
27.404-4 Contractor's release, publication, and use of data.
(a) In contracts for basic or applied research with universities or colleges, agencies shall not place any restrictions on the conduct of or reporting on the results of unclassified basic or applied research, except as provided in applicable U.S. Statutes. However, agencies may restrict the release or disclosure of computer software that is or is intended to be developed to the point of practical application (including for agency distribution under established programs). This is not considered a restriction on the reporting of the results of basic or applied research. Agencies may also preclude a contractor from asserting copyright in any computer software for purposes of established agency distribution programs, or where required to accomplish the purpose for which the software is acquired.
(b) Except for the results of basic or applied research under contracts with universities or colleges, agencies may, to the extent provided in their FAR supplements, place limitations or restrictions on the contractor's exercise of its rights in data first produced in the performance of the contract, including a requirement to assign copyright to the Government or another party. Any of
[[Page 31804]]
these restrictions shall be expressly included in the contract.
27.404-5 Unauthorized, omitted, or incorrect markings.
(a) Unauthorized marking of data. (1) The Government has, in accordance with paragraph (e) of the clause at 52.227-14, the right to either return data containing unauthorized markings or to cancel or ignore the markings.
(2) Agencies shall not cancel or ignore markings without making written inquiry of the contractor and affording the contractor at least 30 days to provide a written justification substantiating the propriety of the markings.
(i) If the contractor fails to respond or fails to provide a written justification substantiating the propriety of the markings within the time afforded, the Government may cancel or ignore the markings.
(ii) If the contractor provides a written justification substantiating the propriety of the markings, the contracting officer shall consider the justification.
(A) If the contracting officer determines that the markings are authorized, the contractor will be so notified in writing.
(B) If the contracting officer determines, with concurrence of the head of the contracting activity, that the markings are not authorized, the contractor will be furnished a written determination which becomes the final agency decision regarding the appropriateness of the markings, and the markings will be cancelled or ignored and the data will no longer be made subject to disclosure prohibitions, unless the contractor files suit within 90 days in a court of competent jurisdiction. The markings will not be cancelled or ignored until final resolution of the matter, either by the contracting officer's determination becoming the final agency decision or by final disposition of the matter by court decision if suit is filed.
(3) The foregoing procedures may be modified in accordance with agency regulations implementing the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) if necessary to respond to a request. In addition, the contractor may bring a claim, in accordance with the Disputes clause of the contract, that may arise as the result of the Government's action to remove or ignore any markings on data, unless the action occurs as the result of a final disposition of the matter by a court of competent jurisdiction.
(b) Omitted or incorrect notices. (1) Data delivered under a contract containing the clause without a limited rights notice or restricted rights notice, and without a copyright notice, will be presumed to have been delivered with unlimited rights, and the Government assumes no liability for the disclosure, use, or reproduction of the data. However, to the extent the data has not been disclosed without restriction outside the Government, the contractor may, within 6 months (or a longer period approved by the contracting officer for good cause shown), request permission of the contracting officer to have omitted limited rights or restricted rights notices, as applicable, placed on qualifying data at the contractor's expense. The contracting officer may permit adding appropriate notices if the contractor--
(i) Identifies the data for which a notice is to be added;
(ii) Demonstrates that the omission of the proposed notice was inadvertent;
(iii) Establishes that use of the proposed notice is authorized; and
(iv) Acknowledges that the Government has no liability with respect to any disclosure or use of any such data made prior to the addition of the notice or resulting from the omission of the notice.
(2) The contracting officer may also--
(i) Permit correction, at the contractor's expense, of incorrect notices if the contractor identifies the data on which correction of the notice is to be made, and demonstrates that the correct notice is authorized; or
(ii) Correct any incorrect notices.
27.404-6 Inspection of data at the contractor's facility.
Contracting officers may obtain the right to inspect data at the contractor's facility by use of the clause at 52.227-14 with its Alternate V, which adds paragraph (j) to provide that right. Agencies may also adopt Alternate V for general use. The data subject to inspection may be data withheld or withholdable under paragraph (g)(1) of the clause. Inspection may be made by the contracting officer or designee (including nongovernmental personnel under the same conditions as the contracting officer) for the purpose of verifying a contractor's assertion regarding the limited rights or restricted rights status of the data, or for evaluating work performance under the contract. This right may be exercised up to 3 years after acceptance of all items to be delivered under the contract. The contract may specify data items that are not subject to inspection under paragraph (j) of Alternate V. If the contractor demonstrates to the contracting officer that there would be a possible conflict of interest if inspection were made by a particular representative, the contracting officer shall designate an alternate representative.
27.405 Other data rights provisions.
27.405-1 Special works.
(a) The clause at 52.227-17, Rights in Data--Special Works, is for use in contracts (or may be made applicable to portions thereof) that are primarily for the production or compilation of data (other than limited rights data or restricted computer software) for the Government's own use, or when there is a specific need to limit distribution and use of the data or to obtain indemnity for liabilities that may arise out of the content, performance, or disclosure of the data. Examples are contracts for--
(1) The production of audiovisual works, including motion pictures or television recordings with or without accompanying sound, or for the preparation of motion picture scripts, musical compositions, sound tracks, translation, adaptation, and the like;
(2) Histories of the respective agencies, departments, services, or units thereof;
(3) Surveys of Government establishments;
(4) Works pertaining to the instruction or guidance of Government officers and employees in the discharge of their official duties;
(5) The compilation of reports, books, studies, surveys, or similar documents that do not involve research, development, or experimental work;
(6) The collection of data containing personally identifiable information such that the disclosure thereof would violate the right of privacy or publicity of the individual to whom the information relates;
(7) Investigatory reports;
(8) The development, accumulation, or compilation of data (other than that resulting from research, development, or experimental work performed by the contractor), the early release of which could prejudice follow-on acquisition activities or agency regulatory or enforcement activities; or
(9) The development of computer software programs, where the program--
(i) May give a commercial advantage; or
(ii) Is agency mission sensitive, and release could prejudice agency mission, programs, or follow-on acquisitions.
(b) The contract may specify the purposes and conditions (including time limitations) under which the data may be used, released, or reproduced other than for contract performance. Contracts for the production of audiovisual works, sound recordings, etc., may include limitations in
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connection with talent releases, music licenses, and the like that are consistent with the purposes for which the works are acquired.
(c) Paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of the clause, which enables the Government to obtain assignment of copyright in any data first produced in the performance of the contract, may be deleted if the contracting officer determines that such assignment is not needed to further the objectives of the contract.
(d) Paragraph (e) of the clause, which requires the contractor to indemnify the Government against any liability incurred as the result of any violation of trade secrets, copyrights, right of privacy or publicity, or any libelous or other unlawful matter arising out of or contained in any production or compilation of data that are subject to the clause, may be deleted or limited in scope where the contracting officer determines that, because of the nature of the particular data involved, such liability will not arise.
(e) When the audiovisual or other special works are produced to accomplish a public purpose other than acquisition for the Government's own use (such as for production and distribution to the public of the works by other than a Federal agency), agencies are authorized to modify the clause for use in contracts, with rights in data provisions that meet agency mission needs yet protect free speech and freedom of expression, as well as the artistic license of the creator of the work.
27.405-2 Existing works.
The clause at 52.227-18, Rights in Data--Existing Works, is for use in contracts exclusively for the acquisition (without modification) of existing works such as motion pictures, television recordings, and other audiovisual works; sound recordings; musical, dramatic, and literary works; pantomimes and choreographic works; pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works; and works of a similar nature. The contract may set forth limitations consistent with the purposes for which the works covered by the contract are being acquired. Examples of these limitations are means of exhibition or transmission, time, type of audience, and geographical location. However, if the contract requires that works of the type indicated in this paragraph are to be modified through editing, translation, or addition of subject matter, etc. (rather than purchased in existing form), then see 27.405-1.
27.405-3 Commercial computer software.
(a)(1) When contracting other than from GSA's Multiple Award Schedule contracts for the acquisition of commercial computer software, no specific contract clause prescribed in this subpart need be used, but the contract shall specifically address the Government's rights to use, disclose, modify, distribute, and reproduce the software. Section 12.212 sets forth the guidance for the acquisition of commercial computer software and states that commercial computer software or commercial computer software documentation shall be acquired under licenses customarily provided to the public to the extent the license is consistent with Federal law and otherwise satisfies the Government's needs. The clause at 52.227-19 may be used when there is any confusion as to whether the Government's needs are satisfied or whether a customary commercial license is consistent with Federal law. Additional or lesser rights may be negotiated using the guidance concerning restricted rights as set forth in 27.404-2(d), or the clause at 52.227- 19, Commercial Computer Software License. If greater rights than the minimum rights identified in the clause at 52.227-19 are needed, or lesser rights are to be acquired, they must be negotiated and set forth in the contract. This includes any additions to, or limitations on, the rights set forth in paragraph (b) of the clause at 52.227-19 when used. Examples of greater rights may be those necessary for networking purposes or use of the software from remote terminals communicating with a host computer where the software is located. If the computer software is to be acquired with unlimited rights, the contract must also so state. In addition, the contract must adequately describe the computer programs and/or data bases, the media on which it is recorded, and all the necessary documentation.
(2) If the contract incorporates, makes reference to, or uses a vendor's standard commercial lease, license, or purchase agreement, the contracting officer shall ensure that the agreement is consistent with paragraph (a)(1) of this subsection. The contracting officer should exercise caution in accepting a vendor's terms and conditions, since they may be directed to commercial sales and may not be appropriate for Government contracts. Any inconsistencies in a vendor's standard commercial agreement shall be addressed in the contract and the contract terms shall take precedence over the vendor's standard commercial agreement. If the clause at 52.227-19 is used, inconsistencies in the vendor's standard commercial agreement regarding the Government's right to use, reproduce or disclose the computer software are reconciled by that clause.
(3) If a prime contractor under a contract containing the clause at 52.227-14, Rights in Data--General, with paragraph (g)(4) of Alternate III in the clause, acquires restricted computer software from a subcontractor (at any tier) as a separate acquisition for delivery to or for use on behalf of the Government, the contracting officer may approve any additions to, or limitations on, the restricted rights in the Restricted Rights Notice of paragraph (g)(4) in a collateral agreement incorporated in and made part of the contract.
(b)(1) Except for existing works pursuant to 27.405-2 or commercial computer software pursuant to 27.405-3, no clause contained in this subpart is required to be included in--
(i) Contracts solely for the acquisition of books, periodicals, and other printed items in the exact form in which these items are to be obtained unless reproduction rights are to be acquired; or
(ii) Other contracts that require only existing data (other than limited rights data) to be delivered and the data are available without disclosure prohibitions, unless reproduction rights to the data are to be obtained.
(2) If the reproduction rights to the data are to be obtained in any contract of the type described in paragraph (b)(1)(i) or (ii) of this section, the rights shall be specifically set forth in the contract. No clause contained in this subpart is required to be included in contracts substantially for on-line database services in the same form as they are normally available to the general public.
27.406 Acquisition of data.
27.406-1 General.
(a) It is the Government's practice to determine, to the extent feasible, its data requirements in time for inclusion in solicitations. The data requirements may be subject to revision during contract negotiations. Since the preparation, reformatting, maintenance and updating, cataloging, and storage of data represents an expense to both the Government and the contractor, efforts should be made to keep the contract data requirements to a minimum, consistent with the purposes of the contract.
(b) The contracting officer shall specify in the contract all known data
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requirements, including the time and place for delivery and any limitations and restrictions to be imposed on the contractor in the handling of the data. Further, and to the extent feasible, in major system acquisitions, the contracting officer shall set out data requirements as separate contract line items. In establishing the contract data requirements and in specifying data items to be delivered by a contractor, agencies may, consistent with paragraph (a) of this subsection, develop their own contract schedule provisions. Agency procedures may, among other things, provide for listing, specifying, identifying source, assuring delivery, and handling any data required to be delivered, first produced, or specifically used in the performance of the contract.
(c) Data delivery requirements should normally not require that a contractor provide the Government, as a condition of the procurement, unlimited rights in data that qualify as limited rights data or restricted computer software. Rather, form, fit, and function data may be furnished with unlimited rights instead of the qualifying data, or the qualifying data may be furnished with limited rights or restricted rights if needed (see 27.404-2(c) and (d)). If greater rights are needed, they should be clearly set forth in the solicitation and the contractor fairly compensated for the greater rights.
27.406-2 Additional data requirements.
(a) In some contracting situations, such as experimental, developmental, research, or demonstration contracts, it may not be feasible to ascertain all the data requirements at contract award. The clause at 52.227-16, Additional Data Requirements, may be used to enable the subsequent ordering by the contracting officer of additional data first produced or specifically used in the performance of these contracts as the actual requirements become known. The clause shall normally be used in solicitations and contracts involving experimental, developmental, research or demonstration work (other than basic or applied research to be performed under a contract solely by a university or college when the contract amount will be $500,000 or less) unless all the requirements for data are believed to be known at the time of contracting and specified in the contract. If the contract is for basic or applied research to be performed by a university or college, and the contracting officer believes the contract effort will in the future exceed $500,000, even though the initial award does not, the contracting officer may include the clause in the initial award.
(b) Data may be ordered under the clause at 52.227-16 at any time during contract performance or within a period of 3 years after acceptance of all items to be delivered under the contract. The contractor is to be compensated for converting the data into the prescribed form, for reproduction, and for delivery. In order to minimize storage costs for the retention of data, the contracting officer may relieve the contractor of the retention requirements for specified data items at any time during the retention period required by the clause. The contracting officer may permit the contractor to identify and specify in the contract data not to be ordered for delivery under the clause if the data is not necessary to meet the Government's requirements for data. Also, the contracting officer may alter the clause by deleting the term ``or specifically used'' in paragraph (a) of the clause if delivery of the data is not necessary to meet the Government's requirements for data. Any data ordered under this clause will be subject to the clause at 52.227-14, Rights in Data--General (or other equivalent clause setting forth the respective rights of the Government and the contractor), in the contract. Data authorized to be withheld under such clause will not be required to be delivered under the clause at 52.227-16, except as provided in Alternate II or Alternate III, if included (see 27.404-2(c) and (d)).
(c) Absent an established program for dissemination of computer software, agencies should not order additional computer software under the clause at 52.227-16 for the sole purpose of disseminating or marketing the software to the public. In ordering software for internal purposes, the contracting officer shall consider, consistent with the Government's needs, not ordering particular source codes, algorithms, processes, formulas or flow charts of the software if the contractor shows that this aids its efforts to disseminate or market the software.
27.406-3 Major system acquisition.
(a) The clause at 52.227-21, Technical Data Declaration, Revision, and Withholding of Payment--Major Systems, implements 41 U.S.C. 418a(d). When using the clause at 52.227-21, the section of the contract specifying data delivery requirements (see 27.406-1(b)) shall expressly identify those line items of technical data to which the clause applies. Upon delivery of the technical data, the contracting officer shall review the technical data and the contractor's declaration relating to it to assure that the data are complete, accurate, and comply with contract requirements. If the data are not complete, accurate, or compliant, the contracting officer should request the contractor to correct the deficiencies, and may withhold payment. Final payment shall not be made under the contract until it has been determined that the delivery requirements of those line items of data to which the clause applies have been satisfactorily met.
(b) In a contract for, or in support of, a major system awarded by a civilian agency other than NASA or the U.S. Coast Guard, the following applies:
(1) The contracting officer shall require the delivery of any technical data relating to the major system, or supplies for the major system, that are to be developed exclusively with Federal funds if the delivery of the technical data is needed to ensure the competitive acquisition of supplies or services that will be required in substantial quantities in the future. The clause at 52.227-22, Major System--Minimum Rights, is used in addition to the clause at 52.227-14, Rights in Data--General, and other required clauses, to ensure that the Government acquires at least those rights required by Public Law 98-577 in technical data developed exclusively with Federal funds.
(2) Technical data, relating to a major system or supplies for a major system, procured or to be procured by the Government and also relating to the design, development, or manufacture of products or processes offered or to be offered for sale to the public (except for such data as may be necessary for the Government to operate or maintain the product, or use the process if obtained by the Government as an element of performance under the contract), shall not be required to be provided to the Government from persons who have developed such products or processes as a condition for the procurement of such products or processes by the Government.
27.407 Rights to technical data in successful proposals.
The clause at 52.227-23, Rights to Proposal Data (Technical), allows the Government to acquire unlimited rights to technical data in successful proposals. Pursuant to the clause, the prospective contractor is afforded the opportunity to specifically identify pages containing technical data to be excluded from the grant of unlimited rights. This exclusion is not dispositive of the protective status of the data, but any excluded technical data, as well as any commercial and financial information contained in the proposal, will remain subject to the policies in Subpart 15.2 or 15.6 (or agency supplements) relating to proposal
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information (e.g., will be used for evaluation purposes only). If there is a need to have access to any of the excluded technical data during contract performance, consideration should be given to acquiring the data with limited rights, if they so qualify, in accordance with 27.404-2(c).
27.408 Cosponsored research and development activities.
(a) In contracts involving cosponsored research and development that require the contractor to make substantial contributions of funds or resources (e.g., by cost-sharing or by repayment of nonrecurring costs), and the contractor's and the Government's respective contributions to any item, component, process, or computer software, developed or produced under the contract are not readily segregable, the contracting officer may limit the acquisition of, or acquire less than unlimited rights to, any data developed and delivered under the contract. Agencies may regulate the use of this authority in their supplements. Lesser rights shall, at a minimum, assure use of the data for agreed-to Governmental purposes (including reprocurement rights as appropriate), and address any disclosure limitations or restrictions to be imposed on the data. Also, consideration may be given to requiring the contractor to directly license others if needed to carry out the objectives of the contract. Since the purpose of the cosponsored research and development, the legitimate proprietary interests of the contractor, the needs of the Government, and the respective contributions of both parties may vary, no specific clauses are prescribed, but a clause providing less than unlimited rights in the Government for data developed and delivered under the contract (such as license rights) may be tailored to the circumstances consistent with the foregoing and the policy set forth in 27.402. As a guide, a clause may be appropriate when the contractor contributes money or resources, or agrees to make repayment of nonrecurring costs, of a value of approximately 50 percent of the total cost of the contract (i.e., Government, contractor, and/or third party paid costs), and the respective contributions are not readily segregable for any work element to be performed under the contract. A clause may be used for all or for only specifically identified tasks or work elements under the contract. In the latter instance, its use will be in addition to whatever other data rights clause is prescribed under this subpart, with the contract specifically identifying which clause is to apply to which tasks or work elements. Further, this type of clause may not be appropriate where the purpose of the contract is to produce data for dissemination to the public, or to develop or demonstrate technologies that will be available, in any event, to the public for their direct use.
(b) Where the contractor's contributions are readily segregable (by performance requirements and the funding for the contract) and so identified in the contract, any resulting data may be treated under this clause as limited rights data or restricted computer software in accordance with 27.404-2(c) or (d), as applicable; or if this treatment is inconsistent with the purpose of the contract, rights to the data may, if so negotiated and stated in the contract, be treated in a manner consistent with paragraph (a) of this section.
27.409 Solicitation provisions and contract clauses.
(a) Generally, a contract should contain only one data rights clause. However, where more than one is needed, the contract should distinguish the portion of contract performance to which each pertains.
(b)(1) Insert the clause at 52.227-14, Rights in Data-- General, in solicitations and contracts if it is contemplated that data will be produced, furnished, or acquired under the contract, unless the contract is--
(i) For the production of special works of the type set forth in 27.405-1, although in these cases insert the clause at 52.227-14, Rights in Data--General, and make it applicable to data other than special works, as appropriate (see paragraph (e) of this section);
(ii) For the acquisition of existing data works, as described in 27.405-2 (see paragraphs (f) and (g) of this section);
(iii) A small business innovation research contract (see paragraph (h) of this section);
(iv) To be performed outside the United States (see paragraph (i)(1) of this section);
(v) For architect-engineer services or construction work (see paragraph (i)(2) of this section);
(vi) For the management, operation, design, or construction of a Government-owned facility to perform research, development, or production work (see paragraph (i)(3) of this section); or
(vii) A contract involving cosponsored research and development in which a clause providing for less than unlimited right has been authorized (see 27.408).
(2) If an agency determines, in accordance with 27.404-2(b), to adopt the alternate definition of ``Limited Rights Data'' in paragraph (a) of the clause, use the clause with its Alternate I.
(3) If a contracting officer determines, in accordance with 27.404- 2(c), that it is necessary to obtain limited rights data, use the clause with its Alternate II. The contracting officer shall complete paragraph (g)(3) to include the purposes, if any, for which limited rights data are to be disclosed outside the Government.
(4) In accordance with 27.404-2(d), if a contracting officer determines it is necessary to obtain restricted computer software, use the clause with its Alternate III. Any greater or lesser rights regarding the use, reproduction, or disclosure of restricted computer software than those set forth in the Restricted Rights Notice of paragraph (g)(4) of Alternate III of the clause shall be specified in the contract and the notice modified accordingly.
(5) Use the clause with its Alternate IV in contracts for basic or applied research (other than those for the management or operation of Government facilities or where international agreements require otherwise) to be performed solely by universities and colleges. The clause may be used with its Alternate IV in other contracts if, in accordance with 27.404-3(a), an agency determines to grant permission for the contractor to establish claim to copyright subsisting in all data first produced without further request being made by the contractor. When Alternate IV is used, the contract may exclude items or categories of data from the permission granted, either by express provisions in the contract or by the addition of a paragraph (d)(3) to the clause (see 27.404-4).
(6) In accordance with 27.404-6, if the Government needs the right to inspect certain data at a contractor's facility, use the clause with its Alternate V.
(c) In accordance with 27.404-2(c)(2) and 27.404-2(d)(5), if the contracting officer desires to have an offeror state in response to a solicitation whether limited rights data or restricted computer software are likely to be used in meeting the data delivery requirements set forth in the solicitation, insert the provision at 52.227-15, Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software, in any solicitation containing the clause at 52.227- 14, Rights in Data--General. The contractor's response may provide an aid in determining whether the clause should be used with Alternate II and/or Alternate III.
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(d) Insert the clause at 52.227-16, Additional Data Requirements, in solicitations and contracts involving experimental, developmental, research, or demonstration work (other than basic or applied research to be performed solely by a university or college where the contract amount will be $500,000 or less) unless all the requirements for data are believed to be known at the time of contracting and specified in the contract (see 27.406-2). This clause may also be used in other contracts when considered appropriate. For example, if the contract is for basic or applied research to be performed by a university or college, and the contracting officer believes the contract effort will in the future exceed $500,000, even though the initial award does not, the contracting officer may include the clause in the initial award.
(e) In accordance with 27.405-1, insert the clause at 52.227-17, Rights in Data--Special Works, in solicitations and contracts primarily for the production or compilation of data (other than limited rights data or restricted computer software) for the Government's internal use, or when there is a specific need to limit distribution and use of the data or to obtain indemnity for liabilities that may arise out of the content, performance, or disclosure of the data. Examples of such contracts are set forth in 27.405-1.
(1) Insert the clause if existing works are to be modified, as by editing, translation, addition of subject matter, etc.
(2) The contract may specify the purposes and conditions (including time limitations) under which the data may be used, released, or reproduced by the contractor for other than contract performance.
(3) Contracts for the production of audiovisual works, sound recordings, etc., may include limitations in connection with talent releases, music licenses, and the like that are consistent with the purposes for which the data is acquired.
(4) The clause may be modified in accordance with paragraphs (c) through (e) of 27.405-1.
(f) Insert the clause at 52.227-18, Rights in Data-- Existing Works, in solicitations and contracts exclusively for the acquisition, without modification, of existing audiovisual and similar works of the type set forth in 27.405-2. The contract may set forth limitations consistent with the purposes for which the work is being acquired. While no specific clause of this subpart is required to be included in contracts solely for the acquisition, without disclosure prohibitions, of books, publications, and similar items in the exact form in which the items exist prior to the request for purchase (i.e., the off-the- shelf purchase of such items), or in other contracts where only existing data available without disclosure prohibitions is to be furnished, if reproduction rights are to be acquired, the contract shall include terms addressing such rights. (See 27.405-3(b).)
(g) In accordance with 27.405-3(a), when contracting (other than from GSA's Multiple Award Schedule contracts) for the acquisition of commercial computer software, the contracting officer may insert the clause at 52.227-19, Commercial Computer Software License, in the solicitation and contract. In any event, the contracting officer shall assure that the contract contains terms to obtain sufficient rights for the Government to fulfill the need for which the software is being acquired and is otherwise consistent with 27.405-3(a).
(h) If the contract is a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract, insert the clause at 52.227-20, Rights in Data--SBIR Program, in all Phase I and Phase II contracts awarded under the Small Business Innovation Research Program established pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 638.
(i) Agencies may prescribe in their procedures, as appropriate, a clause consistent with the policy of 27.402 in contracts--
(1) To be performed outside the United States;
(2) For architect-engineer services and construction work (may prescribe the clause at 52.227-17, Rights in Data-- Special Works); or
(3) For management, operation, design, or construction of Government-owned research, development, or production facilities, and in contracts and subcontracts in support of programs being conducted at such facilities.
(j) In accordance with 27.406-3(a), insert the clause at 52.227-21, Technical Data Declaration, Revision, and Withholding of Payment--Major Systems, in contracts for major systems acquisitions or for support of major systems acquisitions. This requirement includes contracts for detailed design, development, or production of a major system and contracts for any individual part, component, subassembly, assembly, or subsystem integral to the major system, and other property that may be replaced during the service life of the system, including spare parts. When used, this clause requires that the technical data to which it applies be specified in the contract (see 27.406-3(a)).
(k) In accordance with 27.406-3(b), in the case of civilian agencies other than NASA and the U.S. Coast Guard, insert the clause at 52.227-22, Major System--Minimum Rights, in contracts for major systems or contracts in support of major systems.
(l) In accordance with 27.407, if a contracting officer desires to acquire unlimited rights in technical data contained in a successful proposal upon which a contract award is based, insert the clause at 52.227-23, Rights to Proposed Data (Technical). Rights to technical data in a proposal are not acquired by mere incorporation by reference of the proposal in the contract, and if a proposal is incorporated by reference, the contracting officer shall follow section 27.404 to assure that the rights are appropriately addressed.
Subpart 27.5--Foreign License and Technical Assistance Agreements
27.501 General.
Agencies shall provide necessary policy and procedures regarding foreign technical assistance agreements and license agreements involving intellectual property, including avoiding unnecessary royalty charges.
PART 52--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES.
-
Amend section 52.227-1 by revising the introductory text of the clause and the introductory text of Alternates I and II to read as follows:
52.227-1 Authorization and Consent.
As prescribed in 27.201-2(a)(1), insert the following clause: * * * * *
Alternate I (Apr 1984). As prescribed in 27.201-2(a)(2), substitute the following paragraph (a) for paragraph (a) of the basic clause: * * * * *
Alternate II (Apr 1984). As prescribed in 27.201-2(a)(3), substitute the following paragraph (a) for paragraph (a) of the basic clause:
* * * * *
52.227-2 [Amended]
-
In section 52.227-2, amend the introductory text of the clause by removing ``at 27.202-2'' and adding ``in 27.201-2(b)'' in its place.
-
Amend section 52.227-3 by revising the introductory text of the clause and the introductory text of Alternates I, II, and III to read as follows:
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52.227-3 Patent Indemnity.
As prescribed in 27.201-2(c)(1), insert the following clause: * * * * *
Alternate I (Apr 1984). As prescribed in 27.201-2(c)(2), add the following paragraph (c) to the basic clause: * * * * *
Alternate II (Apr 1984). As prescribed in 27.201-2(c)(2), add the following paragraph (c) to the basic clause: * * * * *
Alternate III (July 1995). As prescribed in 27.201-2(c)(3), add the following paragraph to the basic clause:
* * * * *
-
Amend section 52.227-4 by revising the introductory paragraph of the clause; and Alternate I to read as follows:
52.227-4 Patent Indemnity--Construction Contracts.
As prescribed in 27.201-2(d)(1), insert the following clause: * * * * *
Alternate I (Date). As prescribed in 27.201-2(d)(2), designate the first paragraph of the basic clause as paragraph (a) and add the following paragraph (b) to the basic clause:
(b) This patent indemnification shall not apply to the following items:
[Contracting Officer list the items to be excluded.]
52.227-5 [Amended]
-
In section 52.227-5, amend the introductory paragraph of the clause by removing `` at 27.203-6'' and adding ``in 27.201-2(e)'' in its place.
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Amend section 52.227-6 by revising the introductory paragraphs of the provision and Alternate I to read as follows:
52.227-6 Royalty Information.
As prescribed in 27.202-5(a)(1), insert the following provision: * * * * *
Alternate I (Apr 1984). As prescribed in 27.202-5(a)(2), substitute the following for the introductory portion of paragraph (a) of the basic provision:
* * * * *
52.227-7 [Amended]
-
In section 52.227-7, amend the introductory paragraph of the provision by removing ``at 27.204-3(c)'' and adding ``in 27.202-5(b)'' in its place.
-
Amend section 52.227-9 by revising the introductory paragraph of the clause to read as follows:
52.227-9 Refund of Royalties.
As prescribed in 27.202-5(c), insert the following clause: * * * * *
52.227-10 [Amended]
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In section 52.227-10, amend the introductory paragraph of the clause by removing ``at 27.207-2'' and adding ``in 27.203-2'' in its place.
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Revise section 52.227-11 and its section heading to read as follows:
52.227-11 Patent Rights--Ownership by the Contractor.
As prescribed in 27.303(b)(1), insert the following clause:
Patent Rights--Ownership by the Contractor (Date)
(a) As used in this clause--
Invention means any invention or discovery that is or may be patentable or otherwise protectable under title 35 of the United States Code, or any novel variety of plant that is or may be protected under the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2321, et seq.).
Made, when used in relation to any invention, means the conception or first actual reduction to practice of the invention.
Nonprofit organization means a university or other institution of higher education, or an organization of the type described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 U.S.C. 501(c)) and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 501(a)), or any nonprofit scientific or educational organization qualified under a state nonprofit organization statute.
Practical application means to manufacture, in the case of a composition of product; to practice, in the case of a process or method; or to operate, in the case of a machine or system; and, in each case, under such conditions as to establish that the invention is being utilized and that its benefits are, to the extent permitted by law or Government regulations, available to the public on reasonable terms.
Subject invention means any invention of the contractor made in the performance of work under this contract; provided that in the case of a variety of plant, the date of determination defined in 7 U.S.C. 2401(d), must also occur during the period of contract performance.
(b) Contractor's Rights--(1) Ownership. The Contractor may elect to retain ownership throughout the world of each subject invention in accordance with the provisions of this clause.
(2) License. (i) The Contractor shall retain a nonexclusive paid-up license throughout the world in each subject invention to which the Government obtains title, except if the Contractor fails to disclose the invention within the times specified in paragraph (c) of this clause. The Contractor's license extends to any domestic subsidiaries and affiliates within the corporate structure of which the Contractor is a part, and includes the right to grant sublicenses to the extent the Contractor was legally obligated to do so at contract award. The license is transferable only with the approval of the agency, except when transferred to the successor of that part of the Contractor's business to which the invention pertains.
(ii) The Contractor's domestic license may be revoked or modified by the agency to the extent necessary to achieve expeditious practical application of the subject invention pursuant to an application for an exclusive license submitted in accordance with 37 CFR part 404 and agency licensing regulations. This license will not be revoked in that field of use or the geographical areas in which the Contractor has achieved practical application and continues to make the benefits of the invention reasonably accessible to the public. The license in any foreign country may be revoked or modified at the discretion of the agency to the extent the Contractor, its licensees, or the domestic subsidiaries or affiliates have failed to achieve practical application in that foreign country.
(iii) Before revoking or modifying the license, the agency will furnish the Contractor a written notice of its intention to revoke or modify the license, and the Contractor will be allowed 30 days (or such other time as may be authorized by the funding agency for good cause shown by the Contractor) after the notice to show cause why the license should not be revoked or modified. The Contractor has the right to appeal, in accordance with 37 CFR part 404 and agency regulations, concerning the licensing of Government-owned inventions, any decision concerning the revocation or modification of the license.
(c) Contractor's obligations. (1) The Contractor shall disclose in writing each subject invention to the contracting officer within 2 months after the inventor discloses it in writing to Contractor personnel responsible for patent matters. The disclosure shall identify the inventor(s) and this contract under which the subject invention was made. It shall be sufficiently complete in technical detail to convey a clear understanding of the subject invention. The disclosure shall also identify any publication, on sale (i.e., sale or offer for sale), or public use of the subject invention, or whether a manuscript describing the subject invention has been submitted for publication and, if so, whether it has been accepted for publication. In addition, after disclosure to the agency, the Contractor shall promptly notify the agency of the acceptance of any manuscript describing the subject invention for publication and any on sale or public use.
(2) The Contractor shall elect in writing whether or not to retain ownership of any subject invention by notifying the agency within 2 years of disclosure to the agency. However, in any case where publication, on sale, or public use has initiated the 1-year statutory period during which valid patent protection can be obtained in the United States, the period for election of title may be shortened by the agency to a date that is no more than 60 days prior to the end of the statutory period.
(3) The Contractor shall file either a provisional or a nonprovisional patent application on an elected subject invention within 1 year after election. However, in any case where a publication, on sale, or public use has initiated the 1-year statutory period during which valid patent protection can be obtained in the United States, the Contractor shall file the application prior to the end of
[[Page 31810]]
that statutory period. If the Contractor files a provisional application, it shall file a nonprovisional application within 10 months of the filing of the provisional application. The Contractor shall file patent applications in additional countries or international patent offices within either 10 months of the filing of the patent application (whether provisional or nonprovisional) or 6 months from the date permission is granted by the Commissioner of Patents to file foreign patent applications where such filing has been prohibited by a Secrecy Order.
(4) The Contractor may request extensions of time for disclosure, election, or filing under paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this clause.
(d) Government's rights--(1) Ownership. The Contractor shall convey to the agency, on written request, title to any subject invention--
(i) If the Contractor fails to disclose or elect ownership to the subject invention within the times specified in paragraph (c) of this clause, or elects not to retain ownership; provided, that the agency may request title only within 60 days after learning of the failure of the Contractor to disclose or elect within the specified times.
(ii) In those countries in which the Contractor fails to file patent applications within the times specified in paragraph (c) of this clause; provided, however, that if the Contractor has filed a patent application in a country after the times specified in paragraph (c) of this clause, but prior to its receipt of the written request of the agency, the Contractor shall continue to retain ownership in that country.
(iii) In any country in which the Contractor decides not to continue the prosecution of any application for, to pay the maintenance fees on, or defend in reexamination or opposition proceeding on, a patent on a subject invention.
(2) License. If the Contractor retains ownership of any subject invention, the Government shall have a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license to practice, or have practiced for or on its behalf, the subject invention throughout the world.
(e) Contractor action to protect the Government's interest. (1) The Contractor shall execute or have executed and promptly deliver to the agency all instruments necessary to--
(i) Establish or confirm the rights the Government has throughout the world in those subject inventions in which the Contractor elects to retain ownership; and
(ii) Convey title to the agency when requested under paragraph (d) of this clause and to enable the Government to obtain patent protection for that subject invention in any country.
(2) The Contractor shall require, by written agreement, its employees, other than clerical and nontechnical employees, to disclose promptly in writing to personnel identified as responsible for the administration of patent matters and in the Contractor's format, each subject invention in order that the Contractor can comply with the disclosure provisions of paragraph (c) of this clause, and to execute all papers necessary to file patent applications on subject inventions and to establish the Government's rights in the subject inventions. The disclosure format should require, as a minimum, the information required by paragraph (c)(1) of this clause. The Contractor shall instruct such employees, through employee agreements or other suitable educational programs, as to the importance of reporting inventions in sufficient time to permit the filing of patent applications prior to U.S. or foreign statutory bars.
(3) The Contractor shall notify the agency of any decisions not to file a nonprovisional patent application, continue the prosecution of a patent application, pay maintenance fees, or defend in a reexamination or opposition proceeding on a patent, in any country, not less than 30 days before the expiration of the response or filing period required by the relevant patent office.
(4) The Contractor shall include, within the specification of any United States nonprovisional patent application and any patent issuing thereon covering a subject invention, the following statement: ``This invention was made with Government support under (identify the contract) awarded by (identify the agency). The Government has certain rights in the invention.''
(f) Subcontracts. (1) The Contractor shall include this clause, suitably modified to identify the parties, in all subcontracts, regardless of tier, for experimental, developmental, or research work to be performed by a small business concern or nonprofit organization. The subcontractor retains all rights provided for the Contractor in this clause, and the Contractor shall not, as part of the consideration for awarding the subcontract, obtain rights in the subcontractor's subject inventions.
(2) The Contractor shall include in all other subcontracts, regardless of tier, for experimental, developmental, or research work the patent rights clause required by FAR Subpart 27.3.
(3) In the case of subcontracts, at any tier, the agency, subcontractor, and the Contractor agree that the mutual obligations of the parties created by this clause constitute a contract between the subcontractor and the agency with respect to the matters covered by the clause; provided, however, that nothing in this paragraph is intended to confer any jurisdiction under the Contract Disputes Act in connection with proceedings under paragraph (i) of this clause.
(g) Reporting on utilization of subject inventions. The Contractor shall submit, on request, periodic reports no more frequently than annually on the utilization of a subject invention or on efforts at obtaining utilization of the subject invention that are being made by the Contractor or its licensees or assignees. The reports shall include information regarding the status of development, date of first commercial sale or use, gross royalties received by the Contractor, and other data and information as the agency may reasonably specify. The Contractor also shall provide additional reports as may be requested by the agency in connection with any march-in proceeding undertaken by the agency in accordance with paragraph (i) of this clause. As required by 35 U.S.C. 202(c)(5), the agency will not disclose that information to persons outside the Government without permission of the Contractor.
(h) Preference for United States industry. Notwithstanding any other provision of this clause, neither the Contractor nor any assignee shall grant to any person the exclusive right to use or sell any subject invention in the United States unless such person agrees that any product embodying the subject invention or produced through the use of the subject invention will be manufactured substantially in the United States. However, in individual cases, the requirement for an agreement may be waived by the agency upon a showing by the Contractor or its assignee that reasonable but unsuccessful efforts have been made to grant licenses on similar terms to potential licensees that would be likely to manufacture substantially in the United States or that under the circumstances domestic manufacture is not commercially feasible.
(i) March-in rights. The Contractor acknowledges that, with respect to any subject invention in which it has retained ownership, the agency has the right to require licensing pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 203 and in accordance with the procedures in 37 CFR 401.6 and any supplemental regulations of the agency in effect on the date of contract award.
(j) Special provisions for contracts with nonprofit organizations. If the Contractor is a nonprofit organization, it shall--
(1) Not assign rights to a subject invention in the United States without the approval of the agency, except where an assignment is made to an organization which has as one of its primary functions the management of inventions, provided that the assignee shall be subject to the same provisions as the Contractor;
(2) Share royalties collected on a subject invention with the inventor, including Federal employee co-inventors (but through their agency if the agency deems it appropriate) when the subject invention is assigned in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 202(e) and 37 CFR 401.10;
(3) Use the balance of any royalties or income earned by the Contractor with respect to subject inventions, after payment of expenses (including payments to inventors) incidental to the administration of subject inventions for the support of scientific research or education; and
(4) Make efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to attract licensees of subject inventions that are small business concerns, and give a preference to a small business concern when licensing a subject invention if the Contractor determines that the small business concern has a plan or proposal for marketing the invention which, if executed, is equally as likely to bring the invention to practical application as any plans or proposals from applicants that are not small business concerns; provided, that the Contractor is also satisfied that the small business concern has the capability and resources to carry out its plan or proposal. The decision whether to give a preference in any specific case will be at the discretion of the contractor.
[[Page 31811]]
(5) Allow the Secretary of Commerce to review the Contractor's licensing program and decisions regarding small business applicants, and negotiate changes to its licensing policies, procedures, or practices with the Secretary of Commerce when the Secretary's review discloses that the Contractor could take reasonable steps to more effectively implement the requirements of paragraph (j)(4) of this clause.
(k) Communications. [Complete according to agency instructions.] (End of clause)
Alternate I (Date). As prescribed in 27.303(b)(3), add the following sentence at the end of paragraph (d)(2) of the basic clause:
The license shall include the right of the Government to sublicense foreign governments, their nationals and international organizations pursuant to the following treaties or international agreements: ----------*
[* Contracting Officer complete with the names of applicable existing treaties or international agreements. The above language is not intended to apply to treaties or agreements that are in effect on the date of the award but are not listed.]
Alternate II (Date). As prescribed in 27.303(b)(4), add the following sentence at the end of paragraph (d)(2) of the basic clause:
The agency reserves the right to unilaterally amend this contract to identify specific treaties or international agreements entered into by the Government before or after the effective date of the contract and effectuate those license or other rights that are necessary for the Government to meet its obligations to foreign governments, their nationals and international organizations under such treaties or international agreements with respect to subject inventions made after the date of the amendment.
Alternate III (Date). As prescribed in 27.303(b)(5), substitute the following paragraph (j)(3) in place of paragraph (j)(3) of the basic clause:
(3) After payment of patenting costs, licensing costs, payments to inventors, and other expenses incidental to the administration of subject inventions, the balance of any royalties or income earned and retained by the Contractor during any fiscal year on subject inventions under this or any successor contract containing the same requirement, up to any amount equal to 5 percent of the budget of the facility for that fiscal year, shall be used by the Contractor for the scientific research, development, and education consistent with the research and development mission and objectives of the facility, including activities that increase the licensing potential of other inventions of the facility. If the balance exceeds 5 percent, 75 percent of the excess above 5 percent shall be paid by the Contractor to the Treasury of the United States and the remaining 25 percent shall be used by the Contractor only for the same purposes as described above. To the extent it provides the most effective technology transfer, the licensing of subject inventions shall be administered by Contractor employees on location at the facility.
Alternate IV (Date). As prescribed in 27.303(b)(6), include the following paragraph (e)(5) in paragraph (e) of the basic clause:
(5) The Contractor shall establish and maintain active and effective procedures to ensure that subject inventions are promptly identified and timely disclosed, and shall submit a description of the procedures to the Contracting Officer so that the Contracting Officer may evaluate and determine their effectiveness.
52.227-12 [Reserved]
-
Remove and reserve section 52.227-12.
-
Revise sections 52.227-13 through 52.227-17 to read as follows:
52.227-13 Patent Rights--Ownership by the Government.
As prescribed in 27.303(e), insert the following clause:
Patent Rights--Ownership by the Government (Date)
(a) Definitions. As used in this clause--
Invention means any invention or discovery which is or may be patentable or otherwise protectable under title 35 of the United States Code or any novel variety of plant that is or may be protectable under the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2321, et seq.).
Made, when used in relation to any invention, means the conception or first actual reduction to practice of the invention.
Practical application means to manufacture, in the case of a composition or product; to practice, in the case of a process or method; or to operate, in the case of a machine or system; and, in each case, under such conditions as to establish that the invention is being utilized and that its benefits are, to the extent permitted by law or Government regulations, available to the public on reasonable terms.
Subject invention means any invention of the Contractor made in the performance of work under this contract; provided, that in the case of a variety of plant, the date of determination defined in 7 U.S.C. 2401(d) must also occur during the period of contract performance.
(b) Ownership--(1) Assignment to the Government. The Contractor shall assign to the Government title throughout the world to each subject invention, except to the extent that rights are retained under paragraphs (b)(2) and (d) of this clause.
(2) Greater rights determinations. (i) The Contractor, or an employee-inventor after consultation with the Contractor, may request greater rights than the nonexclusive license provided in paragraph (d) of this clause. The request for greater rights must be submitted to the Contracting Officer at the time of the first disclosure of the subject invention pursuant to paragraph (e)(2) of this clause, or not later than 8 months thereafter, unless a longer period is authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer for good cause shown in writing by the Contractor. Each determination of greater rights under this contract normally shall be subject to paragraph (c) of this clause, and to the reservations and conditions deemed to be appropriate by the agency.
(ii) Upon request, the Contractor shall provide the filing date, serial number and title, a copy of the patent application (including an English-language version if filed in a language other than English), and patent number and issue date for any subject invention in any country for which the Contractor has retained title.
(iii) Upon request, the Contractor shall furnish the agency an irrevocable power to inspect and make copies of the patent application file.
(c) Minimum rights acquired by the Government. (1) Regarding each subject invention to which the Contractor retains ownership, the Contractor agrees as follows:
(i) The Federal Government will have a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license to practice or have practiced for or on behalf of the United States the subject invention throughout the world.
(ii) The agency has the right, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 203 and 210(c) and in accordance with the procedures set forth in 37 CFR 401.6, to require the Contractor, an assignee, or exclusive licensee of a subject invention to grant a nonexclusive, partially exclusive, or exclusive license in any field of use to a responsible applicant or applicants, upon terms that are reasonable under the circumstances. If the Contractor, assignee, or exclusive licensee refuses the request, the agency has the right to grant the license itself if the agency determines that this action is necessary--
(A) Because the Contractor or assignee has not taken, or is not expected to take within a reasonable time, effective steps to achieve practical application of the subject invention in the field of use;
(B) To alleviate health or safety needs which are not reasonably satisfied by the Contractor, assignee, or their licensees;
(C) To meet requirements for public use specified by Federal regulations and these requirements are not reasonably satisfied by the Contractor, assignee, or licensee; or
(D) Because the agreement required by paragraph (i)--Preference for United States industry--of this clause has neither been obtained nor waived or because a licensee of the exclusive right to use or sell any subject invention in the United States is in breach of this agreement.
(iii) Upon request, the Contractor shall submit periodic reports no more frequently than annually on the utilization, or efforts to obtain utilization, of a subject invention by the Contractor or its licensees or assignees. These reports shall include information regarding the status of development, date of first commercial sale or use, gross royalties received by the Contractor, and such other data and information as the agency may reasonably specify. The Contractor also shall provide additional reports as may be requested by the agency in connection with any march-in proceedings undertaken by the agency in accordance with paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this clause. To the extent data or information supplied under this section is considered by the Contractor, or its licensees, or assignees to be privileged and confidential and is so marked, the agency, to the extent
[[Page 31812]]
permitted by law, will not disclose such information to persons outside the Government.
(iv) When licensing a subject invention, the Contractor shall--
(A) Ensure that no royalties are charged on acquisitions involving Government funds, including funds derived through a Military Assistance Program of the Government or otherwise derived through the Government;
(B) Refund any amounts received as royalty charges on a subject invention in acquisitions for, or on behalf of, the Government;
(C) Provide for this refund in any instrument transferring rights in the subject invention to any party.
(v) When transferring rights in a subject invention, the Contractor shall provide for the Government's rights set forth in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (c)(1)(iv) of this clause.
(2) Nothing contained in paragraph (c) of this clause shall be deemed to grant to the Government rights in any invention other than a subject invention.
(d) Minimum rights to the Contractor. (1) The Contractor is hereby granted a revocable, nonexclusive, paid-up license in each patent application filed in any country on a subject invention and any resulting patent in which the Government obtains title, unless the Contractor fails to disclose the subject invention within the times specified in paragraph (e)(2) of this clause. The Contractor's license extends to any of its domestic subsidiaries and affiliates within the corporate structure of which the Contractor is a part, and includes the right to grant sublicenses to the extent the Contractor was legally obligated to do so at contract award. The license is transferable only with the approval of the agency, except when transferred to the successor of that part of the Contractor's business to which the subject invention pertains.
(2) The Contractor's domestic license may be revoked or modified by the agency to the extent necessary to achieve expeditious practical application of the subject invention in accordance with the procedures in FAR 27.302(i)(2) and 27.304-1(f).
(3) When the Government elects not to apply for a patent in any foreign country, the Contractor retains rights in that foreign country to apply for a patent, subject to the Government's rights in paragraph (c)(1) of this clause.
(e) Invention identification, disclosures, and reports. (1) The Contractor shall establish and maintain active and effective procedures to educate its employees in order to assure that subject inventions are promptly identified and disclosed to Contractor personnel responsible for patent matters. These procedures shall include the maintenance of laboratory notebooks for equivalent records and other records as are reasonably necessary to document the conception and/or the first actual reduction to practice of subject inventions, and records that show the procedures for identifying and disclosing subject inventions are followed. Upon request, the Contractor shall furnish the Contracting Officer a description of these procedures for evaluation and for a determination as to their effectiveness.
(2) The Contractor shall disclose each subject invention to the Contracting Officer within 2 months after the inventor discloses it in writing to Contractor personnel responsible for patent matters or, if earlier, within 6 months after the Contractor becomes aware that a subject invention has been made, but in any event before any on sale (i.e., sale or offer for sale), public use, or publication of the subject invention known to the Contractor. The disclosure shall identify the contract under which the subject invention was made and the inventor(s). It shall be sufficiently complete in technical detail to convey a clear understanding of the subject invention. The disclosure shall also identify any publication, on sale, or public use of the subject invention and whether a manuscript describing the subject invention has been submitted for publication and, if so, whether it has been accepted for publication at the time of disclosure. In addition, after disclosure to the agency, the Contractor shall promptly notify the Contracting Officer of the acceptance of any manuscript describing the subject invention for publication or of any on sale or public use planned by the Contractor.
(3) The Contractor shall furnish the Contracting Officer the following:
(i) Interim reports every 12 months (or a longer period as may be specified by the Contracting Officer) from the date of the contract, listing subject inventions during that period, and stating that all subject inventions have been disclosed (or that there are none) and that the procedures required by paragraph (e)(1) of this clause have been followed.
(ii) A final report, within 3 months after completion of the contracted work, listing all subject inventions or stating that there were none, and listing all subcontracts at any tier containing a patent rights clause or stating that there were none.
(4) The Contractor shall require, by written agreement, its employees, other than clerical and nontechnical employees, to disclose promptly in writing to personnel identified as responsible for the administration of patent matters and in the Contractor's format each subject invention in order that the Contractor can comply with the disclosure provisions of paragraph (c) of this clause, and to execute all papers necessary to file patent applications on subject inventions and to establish the Government's rights in the subject inventions. This disclosure format should require, as a minimum, the information required by paragraph (e)(2) of this clause. The Contractor shall instruct such employees, through employee agreements or other suitable educational programs, as to the importance of reporting inventions in sufficient time to permit the filing of patent applications prior to U.S. or foreign statutory bars.
(5) Subject to FAR 27.302(i), the Contractor agrees that the Government may duplicate and disclose subject invention disclosures and all other reports and papers furnished or required to be furnished pursuant to this clause.
(f) Examination of records relating to inventions. (1) The Contracting Officer or any authorized representative shall, until 3 years after final payment under this contract, have the right to examine any books (including laboratory notebooks), records, and documents of the Contractor relating to the conception or first actual reduction to practice of inventions in the same field of technology as the work under this contract to determine whether--
(i) Any inventions are subject inventions;
(ii) The Contractor has established and maintains the procedures required by paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(4) of this clause; and
(iii) The Contractor and its inventors have complied with the procedures.
(2) The Contractor shall disclose to the agency, for the determination of ownership rights, any unreported invention that the Contracting Officer believes may be a subject invention.
(3) Any examination of records under paragraph (f) of this clause will be subject to appropriate conditions to protect the confidentiality of the information involved.
(g) Withholding of payment. (This paragraph does not apply to subcontracts.) (1) Any time before final payment under this contract, the Contracting Officer may, in the Government's interest, withhold payment until a reserve not exceeding $50,000 or 5 percent of the amount of this contract, whichever is less, shall have been set aside if, in the Contracting Officer's opinion, the Contractor fails to--
(i) Establish, maintain, and follow effective procedures for identifying and disclosing subject inventions pursuant to paragraph (e)(1) of this clause;
(ii) Disclose any subject invention pursuant to paragraph (e)(2) of this clause;
(iii) Deliver acceptable interim reports pursuant to paragraph (e)(3)(i) of this clause; or
(iv) Provide the information regarding subcontracts pursuant to paragraph (h)(4) of this clause.
(2) The Contracting Officer will withhold the reserve or balance until the Contracting Officer has determined that the Contractor has rectified whatever deficiencies exist and has delivered all reports, disclosures, and other information required by this clause.
(3) The Contracting Officer will not make final payment under this contract before the Contractor delivers to the Contracting Officer, as required by this clause, all disclosures of subject inventions, an acceptable final report, and all due confirmatory instruments.
(4) The Contracting Officer may decrease or increase the sums withheld up to the maximum authorized. The Contracting Officer will not withhold any amount under this paragraph while the amount specified by this paragraph is being withheld under other provisions of the contract. The withholding of any amount or the subsequent payment shall not be construed as a waiver of any Government rights.
(h) Subcontracts. (1) The Contractor shall include this clause (suitably modified to identify the parties) in all subcontracts, regardless of tier, for experimental, developmental, or research work. The subcontractor shall retain all rights provided for the Contractor in this clause, and the Contractor shall not, as part of the consideration for awarding the subcontract, obtain rights in the subcontractor's subject inventions.
[[Page 31813]]
(2) In the event of a refusal by a prospective subcontractor to accept this clause, the Contractor--
(i) Shall promptly submit a written notice to the Contracting Officer setting forth the subcontractor's reasons for such refusal and other pertinent information that may expedite disposition of the matter; and
(ii) Shall not proceed with such subcontract without the written authorization of the Contracting Officer.
(3) In the case of subcontracts at any tier, the agency, subcontractor, and Contractor agree that the mutual obligations of the parties created by this clause constitute a contract between the subcontractor and the agency with respect to those matters covered by this clause.
(4) The Contractor shall promptly notify the Contracting Officer in writing upon the award of any subcontract at any tier containing a patent rights clause by identifying the subcontractor, the applicable patent rights clause, the work to be performed under the subcontract, and the dates of award and estimated completion. Upon request of the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall furnish a copy of such subcontract, and, no more frequently than annually, a listing of the subcontracts that have been awarded.
(i) Preference for United States industry. Unless provided otherwise, no Contractor that receives title to any subject invention and no assignee of any Contractor shall grant to any person the exclusive right to use or sell any subject invention in the United States unless the person agrees that any products embodying the subject invention will be manufactured substantially in the United States. However, in individual cases, the requirement may be waived by the agency upon a showing by the Contractor or assignee that reasonable but unsuccessful efforts have been made to grant licenses on similar terms to potential licensees that would be likely to manufacture substantially in the United States or that, under the circumstances, domestic manufacture is not commercially feasible. (End of clause)
Alternate I (Date). As prescribed in 27.304-1(e)(4), add the following sentence at the end of paragraph (c)(1)(i) of the basic clause:
The license will include the right of the Government to sublicense foreign governments, their nationals, and international organizations pursuant to the following treaties or international agreements: ------------
[*Contracting Officer complete with the names of applicable existing treaties or international agreements. The above language is not intended to apply to treaties or agreements that are in effect on the date of the award but are not listed.]
Alternate II (Date). As prescribed in 27.304-1(e)(5), add the following sentence at the end of paragraph (c)(1)(i) of the basic clause:
The agency reserves the right to unilaterally amend this contract to identify specific treaties or international agreements entered into by the Government before or after the effective date of this contract, and effectuate those license or other rights which are necessary for the Government to meet its obligations to foreign governments, their nationals, and international organizations under treaties or international agreements with respect to subject inventions made after the date of the amendment.
52.227-14 Rights in Data--General.
As prescribed in 27.409(b)(1), insert the following clause with any appropriate alternates:
Rights in Data--General (Date)
(a) Definitions. As used in this clause--
Computer data base means a collection of data in a form capable of, and for the purpose of, being stored in, processed, and operated on by a computer. The term does not include computer software.
Computer software means--
(1) Computer programs that comprise a series of instructions, rules, routines, or statements, regardless of the media in which recorded, that allow or cause a computer to perform a specific operation or series of operations; and
(2) Recorded information comprising source code listings, design details, algorithms, processes, flow charts, formulas, and related material that would enable the computer program to be produced, created, or compiled. The term does not include computer data bases or computer software documentation.
Data means recorded information, regardless of form or the media on which it may be recorded. The term includes technical data and computer software. The term does not include information incidental to contract administration, such as financial, administrative, cost or pricing, or management information.
Form, fit, and function data means data relating to items, components, or processes that are sufficient to enable physical and functional interchangeability, and data identifying source, size, configuration, mating and attachment characteristics, functional characteristics, and performance requirements. For computer software, it means data identifying source, functional characteristics, and performance requirements, but specifically excludes the source code, algorithm, process, formulas, and flow charts of the software.
Limited rights means the rights of the Government in limited rights data as set forth in the Limited Rights Notice of paragraph (g)(3) of Alternate II if included in this clause.
Limited rights data means data, other than computer software, that embody trade secrets or are commercial or financial and confidential or privileged, to the extent that such data pertain to items, components, or processes developed at private expense, including minor modifications.
Restricted computer software means computer software developed at private expense and that is a trade secret, is commercial or financial and is confidential or privileged, or is copyrighted computer software, including minor modifications of such computer software.
Restricted rights means the rights of the Government in restricted computer software, as set forth in a Restricted Rights Notice of paragraph (g)(4) if included in this clause, or as otherwise may be provided in a collateral agreement incorporated in and made part of this contract, including minor modifications of computer software.
Technical data means recorded information (regardless of the form or method of the recording) of a scientific or technical nature (including computer data bases and computer software documentation) relating to supplies procured by an agency. This term does not include computer software or financial, administrative, cost or pricing, or management data or other information incidental to contract administration. Recorded information of a scientific or technical nature that is included in computer data bases is also technical data.
Unlimited rights means the rights of the Government to use, disclose, reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly and display publicly, in any manner and for any purpose, and to have or permit others to do so.
(b) Allocation of rights. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this clause, the Government shall have unlimited rights in--
(i) Data first produced in the performance of this contract;
(ii) Form, fit, and function data delivered under this contract;
(iii) Data delivered under this contract (except for restricted computer software) that constitute manuals or instructional and training material for installation, operation, or routine maintenance and repair of items, components, or processes delivered or furnished for use under this contract; and
(iv) All other data delivered under this contract unless provided otherwise for limited rights data or restricted computer software in accordance with paragraph (g) of this clause.
(2) The Contractor shall have the right to--
(i) Assert copyright in data first produced in the performance of this contract to the extent provided in paragraph (c)(1) of this clause;
(ii) Use, release to others, reproduce, distribute, or publish any data first produced or specifically used by the Contractor in the performance of this contract, unless provided otherwise in paragraph (d) of this clause;
(iii) Substantiate the use of, add or correct limited rights, restricted rights, or copyright notices and to take other appropriate action, in accordance with paragraphs (e) and (f) of this clause; and
(iv) Protect from unauthorized disclosure and use those data which are limited rights data or restricted computer software to the extent provided in paragraph (g) of this clause.
(c) Copyright--(1) Data first produced in the performance of this contract. (i) Unless provided otherwise in paragraph (d) of this clause, the Contractor may, without prior approval of the Contracting Officer, assert copyright in scientific and technical articles based on or containing data first produced in the performance of this contract and published in academic, technical or professional journals, symposia proceedings, or similar works. The prior, express written permission of the Contracting Officer is
[[Page 31814]]
required to assert copyright in all other data first produced in the performance of this contract.
(ii) When authorized to assert copyright to the data, the Contractor shall affix the applicable copyright notices of 17 U.S.C. 401 or 402, and an acknowledgment of Government sponsorship (including contract number).
(iii) For data other than computer software, the Contractor grants to the Government, and others acting on its behalf, a paid- up, nonexclusive, irrevocable worldwide license in such copyrighted data to reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly and display publicly by or on behalf of the Government. For computer software, the Contractor grants to the Government, and others acting in its behalf, a paid-up nonexclusive, irrevocable worldwide license in such copyrighted computer software to reproduce, prepare derivative works, and perform publicly and display publicly (but not to distribute copies to the public) by or on behalf of the Government.
(2) Data not first produced in the performance of this contract. The Contractor shall not, without the prior written permission of the Contracting Officer, incorporate in data delivered under this contract any data not first produced in the performance of this contract unless the Contractor--
(i) Identifies the data; and
(ii) Grants to the Government, or acquires on its behalf, a license of the same scope as set forth in paragraph (c)(1) of this clause or, if such data are restricted computer software, the Government shall acquire a copyright license as set forth in paragraph (g)(3) of this clause (if included in this contract) or as otherwise provided in a collateral agreement incorporated in or made part of this contract.
(3) Removal of copyright notices. The Government will not remove any authorized copyright notices placed on data pursuant to this paragraph (c), and will include such notices on all reproductions of the data.
(d) Release, publication, and use of data. The Contractor shall have the right to use, release to others, reproduce, distribute, or publish any data first produced or specifically used by the Contractor in the performance of this contract, except--
(1) As prohibited by Federal export control or national security laws or regulations;
(2) As expressly set forth in this contract; or
(3) If the Contractor receives or is given access to data necessary for the performance of this contract that contain restrictive markings, the Contractor shall treat the data in accordance with such markings unless specifically authorized otherwise in writing by the Contracting Officer.
(e) Unauthorized marking of data. (1) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this contract concerning inspection or acceptance, if any data delivered under this contract are marked with the notices specified in paragraph (g)(3) or (g)(4) if included in this clause, and use of the notices is not authorized by this clause, or if the data bears any other restrictive or limiting markings not authorized by this contract, the Contracting Officer may at any time either return the data to the Contractor, or cancel or ignore the markings. However, pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 253d, the following procedures shall apply prior to canceling or ignoring the markings:
(i) The Contracting Officer will make written inquiry to the Contractor affording the Contractor 30 days from receipt of the inquiry to provide written justification to substantiate the propriety of the markings;
(ii) If the Contractor fails to respond or fails to provide written justification to substantiate the propriety of the markings within the 30-day period (or a longer time not exceeding 90 days approved in writing by the Contracting Officer for good cause shown), the Government shall have the right to cancel or ignore the markings at any time after said period and the data will no longer be made subject to any disclosure prohibitions.
(iii) If the Contractor provides written justification to substantiate the propriety of the markings within the period set in paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this clause, the Contracting Officer will consider such written justification and determine whether or not the markings are to be cancelled or ignored. If the Contracting Officer determines that the markings are authorized, the Contractor will be so notified in writing. If the Contracting Officer determines, with concurrence of the head of the contracting activity, that the markings are not authorized, the Contracting Officer will furnish the Contractor a written determination, which determination will become the final agency decision regarding the appropriateness of the markings unless the Contractor files suit in a court of competent jurisdiction within 90 days of receipt of the Contracting Officer's decision. The Government will continue to abide by the markings under this paragraph (e)(1)(iii) until final resolution of the matter either by the Contracting Officer's determination becoming final (in which instance the Government will thereafter have the right to cancel or ignore the markings at any time and the data will no longer be made subject to any disclosure prohibitions), or by final disposition of the matter by court decision if suit is filed.
(2) The time limits in the procedures set forth in paragraph (e)(1) of this clause may be modified in accordance with agency regulations implementing the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) if necessary to respond to a request thereunder.
(3) Except to the extent the Government's action occurs as the result of final disposition of the matter by a court of competent jurisdiction, the Contractor is not precluded by paragraph (e) of the clause from bringing a claim, in accordance with the Disputes clause of this contract, that may arise as the result of the Government removing or ignoring authorized markings on data delivered under this contract.
(f) Omitted or incorrect markings. (1) Data delivered to the Government without any restrictive markings shall be deemed to have been furnished with unlimited rights. The Government is not liable for the disclosure, use, or reproduction of such data.
(2) If the unmarked data has not been disclosed without restriction outside the Government, the Contractor may request, within 6 months (or a longer time approved by the Contracting Officer in writing for good cause shown) after delivery of the data, permission to have authorized notices placed on the data at the Contractor's expense. The Contracting Officer may agree to do so if the Contractor--
(i) Identifies the data to which the omitted notice is to be applied;
(ii) Demonstrates that the omission of the notice was inadvertent;
(iii) Establishes that the proposed notice is authorized; and
(iv) Acknowledges that the Government has no liability for the disclosure, use, or reproduction of any data made prior to the addition of the notice or resulting from the omission of the notice.
(3) If data has been marked with an incorrect notice, the Contracting Officer may--
(i) Permit correction of the notice at the Contractor's expense if the Contractor identifies the data and demonstrates that the correct notice is authorized; or
(ii) Correct any incorrect notices.
(g) Protection of limited rights data and restricted computer software. (1) The Contractor may withhold from delivery qualifying limited rights data or restricted computer software that are not data identified in paragraphs (b)(1)(i), (ii), and (iii) of this clause. As a condition to this withholding, the Contractor shall--
(i) Identify the data being withheld; and
(ii) Furnish form, fit, and function data instead.
(2) Limited rights data that are formatted as a computer data base for delivery to the Government shall be treated as limited rights data and not restricted computer software.
(3)-(4) [Reserved]
(h) Subcontracting. The Contractor shall obtain from its subcontractors all data and rights therein necessary to fulfill the Contractor's obligations to the Government under this contract. If a subcontractor refuses to accept terms affording the Government those rights, the Contractor shall promptly notify the Contracting Officer of the refusal and shall not proceed with the subcontract award without authorization in writing from the Contracting Officer.
(i) Relationship to patents or other rights. Nothing contained in this clause shall imply a license to the Government under any patent or be construed as affecting the scope of any license or other right otherwise granted to the Government.
(End of clause)
Alternate I (Date). As prescribed in 27.409(b)(2), substitute the following definition for Limited rights data in paragraph (a) of the basic clause:
Limited rights data means data (other than computer software) developed at private expense that embody trade secrets or are commercial or financial and confidential or privileged.
Alternate II (Date). As prescribed in 27.409(b)(3), insert the following paragraph (g)(3) in the basic clause:
(g)(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (g)(1) of this clause, the contract may identify and specify the delivery of limited rights data, or
[[Page 31815]]
the Contracting Officer may require by written request the delivery of limited rights data that has been withheld or would otherwise be entitled to be withheld. If delivery of that data is required, the Contractor shall affix the following ``Limited Rights Notice'' to the data and the Government will treat the data, subject to the provisions of paragraphs (e) and (f) of this clause, in accordance with the notice:
Limited Rights Notice (Date)
(a) These data are submitted with limited rights under Government Contract No. ---- (and subcontract ----, if appropriate). These data may be reproduced and used by the Government with the express limitation that they will not, without written permission of the Contractor, be used for purposes of manufacture nor disclosed outside the Government; except that the Government may disclose these data outside the Government for the following purposes, if any; provided that the Government makes such disclosure subject to prohibition against further use and disclosure: [Agencies may list additional purposes as set forth in 27.40-2(c)(1) or if none, so state.]
(b) This Notice shall be marked on any reproduction of these data, in whole or in part.
(End of notice)
Alternate III (Date). As prescribed in 27.409(b)(4), insert the following paragraph (g)(4) in the basic clause:
(g)(4)(i) Notwithstanding paragraph (g)(1) of this clause, the contract may identify and specify the delivery of restricted computer software, or the Contracting Officer may require by written request the delivery of restricted computer software that has been withheld or would otherwise be entitled to be withheld. If delivery of that computer software is required, the Contractor shall affix the following ``Restricted Rights Notice'' to the computer software and the Government will treat the computer software, subject to paragraphs (e) and (f) of this clause, in accordance with the notice:
Restricted Rights Notice (Date)
(a) This computer software is submitted with restricted rights under Government Contract No. ---- (and subcontract ----, if appropriate). It may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed by the Government except as provided in paragraph (b) of this Notice or as otherwise expressly stated in the contract.
(b) This computer software may be--
(1) Used or copied for use with the computer(s) for which it was acquired, including use at any Government installation to which such computers may be transferred;
(2) Used or copied for use with a backup computer if any computer for which it was acquired is inoperative;
(3) Reproduced for safekeeping (archives) or backup purposes;
(4) Modified, adapted, or combined with other computer software, provided that the modified, adapted, or combined portions of the derivative software incorporating any of the delivered, restricted computer software shall be subject to the same restricted rights;
(5) Disclosed to and reproduced for use by support service Contractors or their subcontractors in accordance with paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(4) of this notice; and
(6) Used or copied for use with a replacement computer.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this computer software is copyrighted computer software, it is licensed to the Government with the minimum rights set forth in paragraph (b) of this notice.
(d) Any other rights or limitations regarding the use, duplication, or disclosure of this computer software are to be expressly stated in, or incorporated in, the contract.
(e) This notice shall be marked on any reproduction of this computer software, in whole or in part.
(End of notice)
(ii) Where it is impractical to include the Restricted Rights Notice on restricted computer software, the following short-form notice may be used in lieu thereof:
Restricted Rights Notice Short Form (Date)
Use, reproduction, or disclosure is subject to restrictions set forth in Contract No. ------ (and subcontract, if appropriate) with
(name of Contractor and subcontractor).
(End of notice)
(iii) If restricted computer software is delivered with the copyright notice of 17 U.S.C. 401, it will be presumed to be licensed to the Government without disclosure prohibitions, with the minimum rights set forth in paragraph (b) of this clause.
Alternate IV (Date). As prescribed in 27.409(b)(5), substitute the following paragraph (c)(1) for paragraph (c)(1) of the basic clause:
(c) Copyright--(1) Data first produced in the performance of the contract. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this contract, the Contractor may assert copyright in any data first produced in the performance of this contract. When asserting copyright, the Contractor shall affix the applicable copyright notice of 17 U.S.C. 401 or 402, and an acknowledgment of Government sponsorship (including contract number), to the data when such data are delivered to the Government, as well as when the data are published or deposited for registration as a published work in the U.S. Copyright Office. For data other than computer software, the Contractor grants to the Government, and others acting on its behalf, a paid-up, nonexclusive, irrevocable, worldwide license for all such data to reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly and display publicly, by or on behalf of the Government. For computer software, the Contractor grants to the Government and others acting on its behalf, a paid-up, nonexclusive, irrevocable worldwide license for all such computer software to reproduce, prepare derivative works, and perform publicly and display publicly (but not to distribute copies to the public), by or on behalf of the Government.
Alternate V (Date). As prescribed in 27.409(b)(6), add the following paragraph (j) to the basic clause:
(j) The Contractor agrees, except as may be otherwise specified in this contract for specific data deliverables listed as not subject to this paragraph, that the Contracting Officer may, up to three years after acceptance of all deliverables under this contract, inspect at the Contractor's facility any data withheld pursuant to paragraph (g)(1) of this clause, for purposes of verifying the Contractor's assertion of limited rights or restricted rights status of the data or for evaluating work performance. When the Contractor whose data are to be inspected demonstrates to the Contracting Officer that there would be a possible conflict of interest if a particular representative made the inspection, the Contracting Officer shall designate an alternate inspector.
52.227-15 Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software.
As prescribed in 27.409(c), insert the following provision:
Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software (Date)
(a) This solicitation sets forth the Government's known delivery requirements for data (as defined in the clause at 52.227-14, Rights in Data--General). Any resulting contract may also provide the Government the option to order additional data under the Additional Data Requirements clause at 52.227-16, if included in the contract. Any data delivered under the resulting contract will be subject to the Rights in Data--General clause at 52.227-14 included in this contract. Under the latter clause, a Contractor may withhold from delivery data that qualify as limited rights data or restricted computer software, and deliver form, fit, and function data instead. The latter clause also may be used with its Alternates II and/or III to obtain delivery of limited rights data or restricted computer software, marked with limited rights or restricted rights notices, as appropriate. In addition, use of Alternate V with this latter clause provides the Government the right to inspect such data at the Contractor's facility.
(b) By completing the remainder of this paragraph, the offeror represents that it has reviewed the requirements for the delivery of technical data or computer software and states [offeror check appropriate block]--
( ) None of the data proposed for fulfilling the data delivery requirements qualifies as limited rights data or restricted computer software; or
( ) Data proposed for fulfilling the data delivery requirements qualify as limited rights data or restricted computer software and are identified as follows:
(c) Any identification of limited rights data or restricted computer software in the offeror's response is not determinative of the status of the data should a contract be awarded to the offeror.
(End of provision)
52.227-16 Additional Data Requirements.
As prescribed in 27.409(d), insert the following clause:
[[Page 31816]]
Additional Data Requirements (Date)
(a) In addition to the data (as defined in the clause at 52.227- 14, Rights in Data--General, or other equivalent included in this contract) specified elsewhere in this contract to be delivered, the Contracting Officer may, at any time during contract performance or within a period of 3 years after acceptance of all items to be delivered under this contract, order any data first produced or specifically used in the performance of this contract.
(b) The Rights in Data--General clause or other equivalent included in this contract is applicable to all data ordered under this Additional Data Requirements clause. Nothing contained in this clause shall require the Contractor to deliver any data the withholding of which is authorized by the Rights in Data--General or other equivalent clause of this contract, or data which are specifically identified in this contract as not subject to this clause.
(c) When data are to be delivered under this clause, the Contractor will be compensated for converting the data into the prescribed form, for reproduction, and for delivery.
(d) The Contracting Officer may release the Contractor from the requirements of this clause for specifically identified data items at any time during the 3-year period set forth in paragraph (a) of this clause. (End of clause)
52.227-17 Rights in Data--Special Works.
As prescribed in 27.409(e), insert the following clause:
Rights in Data--Special Works (DATE)
(a) Definitions. As used in this clause--
Data means recorded information, regardless of form or the media on which it may be recorded. The term includes technical data and computer software. The term does not include information incidental to contract administration, such as financial, administrative, cost or pricing, or management information.
Unlimited rights means the rights of the Government to use, disclose, reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly and display publicly, in any manner and for any purpose, and to have or permit others to do so.
(b) Allocation of Rights. (1) The Government shall have--
(i) Unlimited rights in all data delivered under this contract, and in all data first produced in the performance of this contract, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this clause.
(ii) The right to limit assertion of copyright in data first produced in the performance of this contract, and to obtain assignment of copyright in that data, in accordance with paragraph (c)(1) of this clause.
(iii) The right to limit the release and use of certain data in accordance with paragraph (d) of this clause.
(2) The Contractor shall have, to the extent permission is granted in accordance with paragraph (c)(1) of this clause, the right to assert claim to copyright subsisting in data first produced in the performance of this contract.
(c) Copyright--(1) Data first produced in the performance of this contract. (i) The Contractor shall not assert or authorize others to assert any claim to copyright subsisting in any data first produced in the performance of this contract without prior written permission of the Contracting Officer. When copyright is asserted, the Contractor shall affix the appropriate copyright notice of 17 U.S.C. 401 or 402 and acknowledgment of Government sponsorship (including contract number) to the data when delivered to the Government, as well as when the data are published or deposited for registration as a published work in the U.S. Copyright Office. The Contractor grants to the Government, and others acting on its behalf, a paid-up, nonexclusive, irrevocable, worldwide license for all delivered data to reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly and display publicly, by or on behalf of the Government.
(ii) If the Government desires to obtain copyright in data first produced in the performance of this contract and permission has not been granted as set forth in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this clause, the Contracting Officer shall direct the Contractor to assign (with or without registration), or obtain the assignment of, the copyright to the Government or its designated assignee.
(2) Data not first produced in the performance of this contract. The Contractor shall not, without prior written permission of the Contracting Officer, incorporate in data delivered under this contract any data not first produced in the performance of this contract and which contain the copyright notice of 17 U.S.C. 401 or 402, unless the Contractor identifies such data and grants to the Government, or acquires on its behalf, a license of the same scope as set forth in paragraph (c)(1) of this clause.
(d) Release and use restrictions. Except as otherwise specifically provided for in this contract, the Contractor shall not use, release, reproduce, distribute, or publish any data first produced in the performance of this contract, nor authorize others to do so, without written permission of the Contracting Officer.
(e) Indemnity. The Contractor shall indemnify the Government and its officers, agents, and employees acting for the Government against any liability, including costs and expenses, incurred as the result of the violation of trade secrets, copyrights, or right of privacy or publicity, arising out of the creation, delivery, publication, or use of any data furnished under this contract; or any libelous or other unlawful matter contained in such data. The provisions of this paragraph do not apply unless the Government provides notice to the Contractor as soon as practicable of any claim or suit, affords the Contractor an opportunity under applicable laws, rules, or regulations to participate in the defense of the claim or suit, and obtains the Contractor's consent to the settlement of any suit or claim other than as required by final decree of a court of competent jurisdiction; nor do these provisions apply to material furnished to the Contractor by the Government and incorporated in data to which this clause applies. (End of clause)
52.227-18 [Amended]
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Amend section 52.227-18 by removing from the introductory paragraph of the clause ``27.409(j)'' and adding ``27.409(f)'' in its place.
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Revise section 52.227-19 and the section heading to read as follows:
52.227-19 Commercial Computer Software License.
As prescribed in 27.409(g), insert the following clause:
Commercial Computer Software License (Date)
(a) Notwithstanding any contrary provisions contained in the Contractor's standard commercial license or lease agreement, the contractor agrees that the Government will have the rights that are set forth in paragraph (c) of this clause to use, duplicate or disclose any commercial computer software delivered under this contract. The terms and provisions of this contract shall comply with Federal laws and the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
(b)(1) The commercial computer software delivered under this contract may not be used, reproduced or disclosed by the Government except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this clause or as expressly stated otherwise in this contract.
(2) The commercial computer software may be--
(i) Used or copied for use with the computer or computers for which it was acquired, including use at any Government installation to which such computer or computers may be transferred;
(ii) Used or copied for use with a backup computer if any computer for which it was acquired is inoperative;
(iii) Reproduced for safekeeping (archives) or backup purposes;
(iv) Modified, adapted, or combined with other computer software, provided that the modified, adapted, or combined portions of the derivative software incorporating any of the delivered, commercial computer software shall be subject to same restrictions set forth in this contract;
(v) Disclosed to and reproduced for use by support service Contractors or their subcontractors, subject to the same restrictions set forth in this contract; and
(vi) Used or copied for use with a replacement computer.
(3) If the commercial computer software is otherwise available without disclosure restrictions, the Contractor licenses it to the Government without disclosure restrictions. The Contractor shall affix a notice substantially as follows to any commercial computer software delivered under this contract:
Notice--Notwithstanding any other lease or license agreement that may pertain to, or accompany the delivery of, this computer software, the rights of the Government regarding its use, reproduction and disclosure are as set forth in Government Contract No. ------: (End of clause)
[[Page 31817]]
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Amend section 52.227-20 as follows:
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Revise the introductory paragraph and the date of the clause;
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In paragraph (a), revise the introductory text and the definitions ``Computer software'' and ``Technical data''; remove ``, as used in this clause,'' from the following definitions: ``Data'', ``Form, fit, and function data'', ``Limited rights data'', ``Restricted computer software'', ``SBIR data'', ``SBIR rights'', and ``Unlimited rights''; and remove the word ``formulae'' from the definition ``Form, fit, and function data'' and add ``formulas'' in its place; and
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In paragraphs (b)(2)(iv) and (c)(2), remove the word ``subparagraph'' and add ``paragraph'' in its place.
The revised text reads as follows:
52.227-20 Rights in Data--SBIR Program.
As prescribed in 27.409(h), insert the following clause:
Rights in Data--SBIR Program (Date)
(a) Definitions. As used in this clause--
Computer software means--
(1) Computer programs that comprise a series of instructions, rules, routines, or statements, regardless of the media in which recorded, that allow or cause a computer to perform a specific operation or series of operations; and
(2) Recorded information comprising source code listings, design details, algorithms, processes, flow charts, formulas, and related material that would enable the computer program to be produced, created, or compiled. The term does not include computer data bases or computer software documentation. * * * * *
Technical data means recorded information (regardless of the form or method of the recording) of a scientific or technical nature (including computer data bases and computer software documentation) relating to supplies procured by an agency. This term does not include computer software or financial, administrative, cost or pricing, or management data or other information incidental to contract administration. Recorded information of a scientific or technical nature that is included in computer data bases is also technical data. * * * * *
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Revise section 52.227-21 to read as follows:
52.227-21 Technical Data Declaration, Revision, and Withholding of Payment--Major Systems.
As prescribed in 27.409(j), insert the following clause:
Technical Data Declaration, Revision, and Withholding of Payment--Major Systems (Date)
(a) Scope of declaration. The Contractor shall provide, in accordance with 41 U.S.C. 418a (d)(7), the following declaration with respect to all technical data that relate to a major system and that are delivered or required to be delivered under this contract or that are delivered within 3 years after acceptance of all items (other than technical data) delivered under this contract unless a different period is set forth in the contract. The Contracting Officer may release the Contractor from all or part of the requirements of this clause for specifically identified technical data items at any time during the period covered by this clause.
(b) Technical data declaration. (1) All technical data that are subject to this clause shall be accompanied by the following declaration upon delivery:
TECHNICAL DATA DECLARATION (DATE)
The Contractor, ----------------, hereby declares that, to the best of its knowledge and belief, the technical data delivered herewith under Government contract No. ------ (and subcontract ------------, if appropriate) are complete, accurate, and comply with the requirements of the contract concerning such technical data.
(End of declaration)
(2) The Government may, at any time during the period covered by this clause, direct correction of any deficiencies that are not in compliance with contract requirements. The corrections shall be made at the expense of the Contractor. Unauthorized markings on data shall not be considered a deficiency for the purpose of this clause, but will be treated in accordance with paragraph (e) of the Rights in Data--General clause included in this contract.
(c) Technical data revision. The Contractor also shall, at the request of the Contracting Officer, revise technical data that are subject to this clause to reflect engineering design changes made during the performance of this contract and affecting the form, fit, and function of any item (other than technical data) delivered under this contract. The Contractor may submit a request for an equitable adjustment to the terms and conditions of this contract for any revisions to technical data made pursuant to this paragraph.
(d) Withholding of payment. (1) At any time before final payment under this contract the Contracting Officer may withhold payment as a reserve up to an amount not exceeding $100,000 or 5 percent of the amount of this contract, whichever is less, if the Contractor fails to--
(i) Make timely delivery of the technical data;
(ii) Provide the declaration required by paragraph (b)(1) of this clause;
(iii) Make the corrections required by paragraph (b)(2) of this clause; or
(iv) Make revisions requested under paragraph (c) of this clause.
(2) The Contracting Officer may withhold the reserve until the Contractor has complied with the direction or requests of the Contracting Officer or determines that the deficiencies relating to delivered data arose out of causes beyond the control of the Contractor and without the fault or negligence of the Contractor.
(3) The withholding of any reserve under this clause, or the subsequent payment of the reserve, shall not be construed as a waiver of any Government rights.
(End of clause)
52.227-22 [Amended]
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In section 52.227-22, amend the introductory paragraph by removing ``27.409(r)'' and adding ``27.409(k)'' in its place.
52.227-23 [Amended]
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In section 52.227-23, amend the introductory paragraph by removing ``27.409(s)'' and adding ``27.409(l)'' in its place.
[FR Doc. 03-12891 Filed 5-27-03; 8:45 am]
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