Technology Transfer Ombuds

The Technology Transfer Commercialization Act of 2000, Public Law 106-404 (PDF) was enacted to improve the ability of Federal agencies to license federally owned inventions.

Pursuant to Section 11, Technology Partnership Ombudsman, each DOE national laboratory and research facility has appointed a technology partnership ombuds. The role of the ombuds is prevention and early resolution of disputes between the lab and inventors or private companies over technology transfer issues such as infringement, intellectual property rights, royalties and licensing, etc.

The Director, Office of Dispute Resolution, coordinates this program and compiles data for quarterly reports. See the Department of Energy Technology Transfer Ombuds (PDF).

Also, see information on the Technology Transfer Coordinator created by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Title X, (Public Law 109-58), pages 334 through 345 of the PDF version.

Related Departmental Ombuds Information

Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Ombuds

Provides ombuds services for all NNSA federal employees and contractors. See the NNSA Ombuds website.

The International Ombudsman Association (IOA) - is an international association of professional organizational ombuds.

General Accounting Office's (GAO) Report - The Role of Ombudsmen in Dispute Resolution, April 2001 (PDF).

Standards for the Establishment and Operation of Ombuds Offices - issued February 2004 by the American Bar Association (ABA)