In the realm of space exploration and aeronautics, few entities are as recognized or as influential as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As part of its mission, NASA is committed to ensuring its innovations can benefit the public. To this end, the agency has created the NASA Patent Portfolio Database, an essential tool in the technology transfer process.
What is the NASA Patent Portfolio Database?
The NASA Patent Portfolio Database is a digital resource housing the collection of all the patents held by NASA. It covers a wide range of technology areas, from materials science and electronics to robotics and biotechnology.
The database provides comprehensive details about each patent, including its title, abstract, issue date, inventor(s), and application number. It also provides a link to the full patent document, enabling users to explore the patent’s specifics.
This database is an integral part of NASA’s Technology Transfer Program, which aims to promote the use of NASA’s technological innovations in the broader economy. By making this information readily available, NASA allows businesses, entrepreneurs, and inventors to find and license NASA technologies, fostering innovation and growth in various industries.
Why is the NASA Patent Portfolio Database Important?
The NASA Patent Portfolio Database plays a crucial role in promoting technology transfer and spurring innovation:
- Enabling Technology Transfer: The database is an essential tool in NASA’s efforts to transfer its technology to the private sector. By providing detailed information about its patents, NASA makes it easier for businesses and inventors to find and license these technologies.
- Spurring Innovation: The availability of NASA’s patents can inspire new products, services, and businesses, driving innovation and economic growth.
- Promoting Transparency: The database promotes transparency by making information about NASA’s patents publicly accessible.
What Features Does the NASA Patent Portfolio Database Offer?
The NASA Patent Portfolio Database provides a range of features to facilitate the discovery and licensing of NASA’s patented technologies:
- Patent Search: Users can search for patents by keyword, patent number, or technology category, making it easy to find relevant technologies.
- Detailed Patent Information: The database provides detailed information for each patent, including its abstract, issue date, inventor(s), and application number, as well as a link to the full patent document.
- Licensing Information: The database also provides information on how to license NASA’s patented technologies, guiding potential licensees through the process.
- Tech Briefs: Some patents include accompanying ‘tech briefs,’ which offer a more detailed look at the technology and its potential applications.
Summary
The NASA Patent Portfolio Database is a powerful tool for promoting technology transfer and spurring innovation. By making its patented technologies readily accessible, NASA is not only furthering its mission to benefit society but also catalyzing innovation and growth in various sectors of the economy.
