How are patents viewed within RPES?
Patents are an important means of documenting certain applied research and technology transfer accomplishments. In addition to including a copy of the patent as an exhibit, the scientist should summarize information about the significance of the patent (i.e., improved product, economic savings, etc.) in the accomplishment statement. There are two points when a patent is considered for credit under RPES procedures: (a) the award of a “notice of allowance” by the Patent and Trademark Office (comparable to acceptance and publication of a manuscript by a refereed journal), and (b) when a licensee’s annual report highlights significant application of the invention in terms of new products, improved products, lower cost to consumers, stimulation of investment, or some other form of demonstrable impact.
