Overview
Title
Notice of Intent To Grant an Exclusive Patent License
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Air Force wants to give special permission to a school called Tufts College so they can use a special type of needle sensor that can look at body fluids in a gentle way, but if people have any problems with this plan, they have to speak up quickly.
Summary AI
The Department of the Air Force intends to grant an exclusive patent license to the Trustees of Tufts College for a new technology involving optical-based microneedle sensors. These sensors can detect substances in body fluid in a minimally invasive way and offer advantages over other types of sensors, such as longer shelf life and less sensitivity to biofouling. People have 15 days from the publication date to object. If anyone provides a timely and valid objection or submits a competing application, it may be considered as an alternative to granting the license.
Abstract
Pursuant to the Bayh-Dole Act and implementing regulations, the Department of the Air Force hereby gives notice of its intent to grant an exclusive patent license to Trustees of Tufts College, 136 Harrison Avenue, Suite 75K-950, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA. Such license is exclusive.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The Department of the Air Force has issued a notice of intent to grant an exclusive patent license to Trustees of Tufts College, as publicized in the Federal Register. This notice outlines a plan to license a new technology involving optical-based microneedle sensors. These sensors are designed to detect analytes, or substances, in body fluid in a way that is minimally invasive. The proposed technology carries several benefits, such as an enhanced shelf-life and reduced susceptibility to biofouling, compared to other sensor types.
Summary of the Document
The document announces the Air Force's plan to issue an exclusive license for a new technological invention to Tufts College. This invention relates to the use of optical-based microneedle sensors, which could potentially serve a wide range of applications due to their efficiency and advanced design. The notice sets a deadline for written objections, allowing 15 calendar days from the publication date for individuals or entities to challenge the decision. Objections can also include competing applications for the patent license.
Significant Issues or Concerns
One notable concern is the lack of detailed justification for the exclusive licensing decision. The rationale behind selecting Tufts College as the recipient of this license is not clearly outlined, which could raise concerns of favoritism or an unfair selection process. Additionally, the document assumes prior knowledge of the Bayh-Dole Act and related regulations, which might limit its accessibility for those unfamiliar with such legal frameworks. Furthermore, while the notice mentions the deadline for filing objections, it does not specify how those objections will be evaluated or what criteria will determine their validity.
Public Impact
The intended grant of this exclusive license could impact the public in several ways. By potentially limiting access to the microneedle sensor technology to a single institution, it might delay the broader implementation of this promising technology. This could affect industries that could benefit from such sensors, such as healthcare and environmental monitoring. On the other hand, concentrating the license in one institution may accelerate the development process, leading to faster innovation and product development.
Impact on Stakeholders
For stakeholders directly involved, such as Tufts College, the exclusive patent license represents a significant opportunity to develop and possibly commercialize a groundbreaking technology. It can strengthen the institution's research capabilities and its prestige in scientific communities. Conversely, other potential stakeholders, including competing universities and corporations, might view this exclusivity as a disadvantage if they are eager to research or develop similar technologies. Therefore, while it is beneficial for Tufts College, it may perceive as limiting for others in the field who are interested in pursuing this line of technology.
Overall, the document raises several relevant points for discussion, mostly surrounding the justifications for exclusivity and the process by which license decisions are made, while also highlighting the potential impacts this decision could have on innovation and stakeholders involved.
Issues
• The notice intends to grant an exclusive patent license to Trustees of Tufts College without providing detailed justification for why this exclusivity is warranted, which could be perceived as favoritism.
• There is limited information on how the decision to grant this exclusive license was made, including any criteria or competitive selection process that was followed.
• The document assumes familiarity with the Bayh-Dole Act and implementing regulations without providing a summary or explanation for those not familiar with these references, which could make the notice less accessible to a general audience.
• The document specifies a deadline for written objections but does not provide information on how those objections will be assessed or what criteria will determine their validity.
• While the document includes details on the patent applications, it lacks context on how these inventions will benefit the public or align with the Air Force's goals.
• The use of specialized terms such as 'transdermal optical silk microneedle sensors' without simplified explanations may be difficult for some readers to understand.