This is a subject that could certainly benefit from a review of current and past procedures, so that we can establish the most efficient and cost-effective means of using govt-funded research for the benefit of society.[/quote]
There are actually laws in place that govern the patenting and licensing of federally funded inventions. The purpose of these laws is to ensure competition and a preference for U.S. licensees, among other things. The problem that I had with the system (and I haven’t been involved for a number of years) was that there appeared to be VERY few people (sometimes it seemed like there was one guy . . . ) keeping track of all the records and “ensuring” compliance. My perception was that few really did what was required, so the public wasn’t really getting full advantage from its investment.
