48 CFR 27.306: 27.306 Licensing background patent rights to third parties.

(a) A contract with a small business concern or nonprofit organization shall not contain a provision allowing the Government to require the licensing to third parties of inventions owned by the contractor that are not subject inventions unless the agency head has approved and signed a written justification in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section. The agency head may not delegate this authority and may exercise the authority only if it is determined that the—

(1) Use of the invention by others is necessary for the practice of a subject invention or for the use of a work object of the contract; and

(2) Action is necessary to achieve the practical application of the subject invention or work object.

(b) Any determination will be on the record after an opportunity for a hearing, and the agency shall notify the contractor of the determination by certified or registered mail. The notification shall include a statement that the contractor must bring any action for judicial review of the determination within 60 days after the notification.