Bayh-Dole Coalition

The Bayh-Dole Coalition is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the Bayh-Dole Act, a pivotal piece of legislation that has significantly influenced how intellectual property is managed in federally funded research. The coalition's mission focuses on empowering universities, small businesses, and nonprofit institutions to take ownership of inventions developed during federally funded research projects[3][5].

History and Purpose

The Bayh-Dole Act, enacted in 1980, was a response to the economic challenges of the 1970s and aimed to improve the commercialization of inventions created with government funding. Prior to its enactment, few government-held patents were licensed for commercial use, hindering innovation and economic growth. The Bayh-Dole Act allowed contractors, including universities and small businesses, to retain ownership of inventions made under federal contracts, provided they met certain obligations, such as disclosing inventions and electing to retain ownership[2].

The Bayh-Dole Coalition supports these efforts by advocating for policies that maintain and strengthen the core provisions of the Bayh-Dole Act. It brings together diverse stakeholders from the research and innovation sectors to ensure that the benefits of federally funded research continue to contribute to economic development and societal progress[4].

Structure and Membership

The coalition offers different levels of membership and support, which are categorized based on financial contributions. These levels include Member, Sponsor, Steward, Champion, and Guardian, reflecting varying degrees of commitment and involvement within the organization[1].

Activities and Impact

The Bayh-Dole Coalition engages in various activities to celebrate the achievements of the Bayh-Dole Act and to protect its integrity against potential policy changes. By promoting the principles of the Bayh-Dole Act, the coalition helps ensure that inventions resulting from federal funding are transferred effectively into the marketplace, thereby fostering innovation and economic growth[5].

Legal Status

The Bayh-Dole Coalition is registered as a 501(c)4 organization, meaning its financial contributions are not tax-deductible as charitable donations but may be deductible as business expenses[1].