Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus recently launched an innovation initiative that focuses on the importance of delivering new ideas to the fleet's end-users and he needs your help.

At the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), more than 1,300 personnel will have the opportunity to be creative and offer innovative solutions to fleet users. Part of that technology transition process involves patenting ideas.

"Patenting ensures that the individual inventors as well as NSWC PCD are given credit for the invention," said NSWC PCD patent attorney Jim Shepherd. "Our patents enhance the reputation of both NSWC PCD and its personnel."

"The patent process also provides financial rewards to our employee inventors," said Shepherd. "NSWC PCD policy requires that our employee inventors receive monetary awards at specified stages of the patenting process. Also, whenever we license an invention, the inventors share in the royalties paid to the Navy. Patenting is not a difficult process for the inventor and it can pay off in the end for the inventor and the Division."

Shepherd outlined the process that starts with "inventing something." Once the invention is submitted to his office, he reviews it. Next, the invention disclosure is submitted to the NSWC PCD Invention Evaluation Board (IEB) for approval. Once the IEB approves the invention, the inventor will earn a $400 cash award.

"This IEB is comprised of a representative from each technical code. The IEB has delegated authority to decide whether to expend Division resources to pursue a patent. The IEB has a pretty liberal filter and approves most submitted inventions for patenting. As long as the invention disclosure adequately describes the invention and the IEB is convinced that it is indeed novel, they will usually approve it," said Shepherd. "While not required, I encourage any employee who thinks they have developed something innovative. Whether it's a new device, system, or method, to come in and discuss it with me."

If the IEB votes in favor of applying for a patent, a patent application is drafted by the legal office based on the information provided in the invention disclosure and on other information obtained from the inventor.

This is a required step in the process. The inventor then reviews the final draft patent application and signs the necessary paperwork so the legal office can file the patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

At this point, the inventor earns a second cash award, this time for $300.

"The patent office then assigns a patent examiner to review the application and check all relative graphics. He or she either allows the application or rejects it. If rejected, we submit a rebuttal argument and/or amend the application, as appropriate to get around the rejection," he said.

After that, it's up to the patent examiner to make the final determination. If the USPTO issues a notice of allowance, the Division pays the issue fee and the USPTO will award a patent to the inventor. The inventor will also earn a third cash award of $500.

Patents awarded to NSWC PCD scientists and engineers are considered part of the lab's "intellectual capital" by some personnel. They are the "seed corn" for Patent Licensing Agreements, additional licensing and royalty income, and a key component in the Technology Transfer process.

Patents are a key component in the Innovation process at NSWC PCD, thus strengthening the NSWC PCD brand as a Technical Center of Excellence in Littoral Warfare and Coastal Defense.


For more news from Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, visit www.navy.mil/local/NSWC/.