Dr. Donald S. Fredrickson 
October 12, 1976 
page 2 
If it appears that the concern about development of hazard- 
ous materials can be satisfied by voluntary compliance 
with guidelines and if the patent incentive is not important 
in this particular situation (for government - sponsored 
research), then I see no problem with use of options 1 or 
2. The very promptest publication and communication of 
research results probably would occur if no patenting is 
attempted. On the other hand, the preparation of patent 
applications need not introduce very much delay in disclo- 
sure, as your patent people have indicated. It should also 
be kept in mind that it is ordinarily much easier to 
commercialize patented inventions than those which any 
one is free to copy. 
You will understand that my judgment in this matter is 
based on very limited knowledge of the situation, but all 
the circumstances noted above would make me think that 
option 4 might be most desirable. This would provide the 
institutions encouragement to exploit their developments, 
would give your department as much control as you choose 
to exert, and should not significantly delay publication 
or other dissemination of the results. 
Verv trulv vrmre 
C. Marshall Dann 
Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks 
cc: Dr. W. V. Hartwell 
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