7 
for Che expedited processing of patents. The order and its 
subsequent review by the Interagency Committee is discussed 
in Section 3, devoted to the Interagency Committee review. 
2 . Exclusion of DNA Research Inventions from IPAs 
The views of commentators were solicited on excluding recom- 
binant DNA research inventions from IPAs, so that patents would 
be granted only for dedication to the public. Possible approaches 
include the following: 
Recombinant DNA research inventions could be excluded from 
the IPAs. None of the commentators favored this option. 
Alternatively, Che IPA could require institutions filing 
patent applications for recombinant DNA research inventions 
to dedicate all issued patents to the public. No commentator 
voiced support for this. 
Finally, a condition could be added to the institutional 
patent agreement requiring institutions to assign to DHEW all 
recombinant DNA research inventions developed under Department 
support. The Department, as assignee, could either dedicate 
the patent to the public or pursue licensing, with appropriate 
conditions attached. Some commentators supported this policy, 
including four members of the Recombinant Advisory Committee. 
Among the industrial representatives, one commentator found 
this option acceptable. Several commentators who attended the 
public hearing favored this policy option, and one suggested 
that royalties accrued by the Government should be used to 
[ 9 ] 
