SpendQueryBeta

FAR and DFARS › FAR Part 31: Contract Cost Principles and Procedures › Subpart 31.2

FAR 31.205-30 Patent costs.

The codified text (eCFR, as of 2026-10-02). Under the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul ↗, agencies follow class deviations with new text for many parts while the formal rules go through the Federal Register: check the solicitation and your contract's clauses, which rule.

In plain English

This section explains which patent-related costs a contractor can charge to a Government contract. Certain patent costs are allowable only when they are required by the contract, while general patent counseling services are allowable. Patent costs not required by the contract, other than general counseling, are unallowable.

Applies to: Contractors incurring patent-related costs on Government contracts

Key terms: allowable · unallowable · invention disclosures · filing and prosecution · general counseling services

Written by AI from this section's text. A guide, not legal advice: the text below rules.

The text

(a) The following patent costs are allowable to the extent that they are incurred as requirements of a Government contract (but see 31.205-33):

(1) Costs of preparing invention disclosures, reports, and other documents.

(2) Costs for searching the art to the extent necessary to make the invention disclosures.

(3) Other costs in connection with the filing and prosecution of a United States patent application where title or royalty-free license is to be conveyed to the Government.

(b) General counseling services relating to patent matters, such as advice on patent laws, regulations, clauses, and employee agreements, are allowable (but see 31.205-33).

(c) Other than those for general counseling services, patent costs not required by the contract are unallowable. (See also 31.205-37.)

Sections it refers to

  • 31.205-33 Professional and consultant service costs.
  • 31.205-37 Royalties and other costs for use of patents.

Sections that refer to it

  • 31.205-33 Professional and consultant service costs.

← 31.205-29 Plant protection costs. · 31.205-31 Plant reconversion costs. →

Rule changes for FAR Part 31

Source: eCFR, 48 CFR chapters 1 and 2 (GPO GovInfo bulk data) ↗. Plain words for the terms: glossary.

FAR 31.205-30 Patent costs · SpendQuery