The Pentagon has initiated a significant move to enhance military innovation by offering free access to approximately 400 patents from its government laboratories. This announcement was made by Emil Michael, the Under Secretary for Research & Engineering, during a conference in Washington, D.C.. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between technological advancements in military laboratories and their actual use in the field.
The Pentagon allocates around $3.3 billion annually to its network of 216 laboratories, which have amassed a vast collection of patents. Despite this investment, many innovations remain underutilized. Michael expressed frustration over the lack of accessibility to these technologies, stating, “Why do these innovations … not get all the way out there to the warfighter?” He highlighted that the patents are often unorganized and difficult to locate, prompting the need for a more streamlined approach.
Two-Part Strategy for Patent Utilization
Michael outlined a two-part plan to address these challenges. The first step, effective immediately, is the introduction of a Commercial Evaluation License (CEL) for the selected 400 patents. Companies interested in utilizing these technologies for research and development can access them royalty-free for a trial period of two years. The chosen patents include a range of applications, from a Navy-developed drone tracking system to innovative Army mortar fuses.
The selection process for these patents was meticulous, involving artificial intelligence to sort through thousands of options. Michael emphasized the importance of making these patents accessible, stating, “We’re going to give you a two-year patent holiday, royalty-free.” If companies find success with these innovations and wish to continue using them after the trial, Michael is open to negotiating long-term agreements.
The potential financial impact of this initiative is notable, as Michael pointed out that the Pentagon currently generates minimal revenue from licensing its patents. “The amount of money that we make from patent fees today is infinitesimal,” he noted, indicating a desire to shift this paradigm.
Creating a Comprehensive Patent Database
The second part of the Pentagon’s strategy is the development of a centralized, searchable database containing all patents from its laboratories. This effort is being facilitated through a public-private partnership known as TechLink and an interagency system called iEdison. Michael confirmed that classified patents will not be included in this database.
Bethany Loftin, the director of the Technology Partnerships Office at the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST), indicated that this initiative has been in the works for nearly two years. An interagency Memorandum of Understanding is expected to finalize the integration of the remaining 206 laboratories into the system, allowing for a comprehensive collection of ideas funded by various federal agencies.
Loftin expressed optimism about the progress, stating, “I keep checking my phone … for final signature” on the MOU. This new database will significantly enhance the visibility of the Pentagon’s intellectual property, making it easier for companies to engage with these innovations.
Michael likened the initial offering of the 400 patents to a promotional strategy, describing it as “the freebie … the door-buster … the loss-leader.” The aim is to attract interest from industry, encouraging investment in military technologies. If the pilot program is successful, there may be opportunities to expand the offering beyond the initial 400 patents.
The initiative underscores a growing recognition of the need for collaboration between the military and private sector, with the potential for significant advancements in military technology. Michael emphasized the importance of moving quickly to capitalize on these innovations, stating, “Let’s not wait. Let’s move fast.” As the Pentagon rolls out these changes, the hope is that they will lead to a more effective utilization of its vast intellectual capital, ultimately benefiting military operations and capabilities.
