Inventions developed through the resources and activities of the Department are a potential resource of great value to the public. It is the policy of the Department:

(a) To safeguard the public interest in inventions developed by Department employees, contractors and grantees with the aid of public funds and facilities;

(b) To encourage and recognize individual and cooperative achievement in research and investigations; and

(c) To establish a procedure, consistent with pertinent statutes, Executive orders and general Government regulations, for the determination of rights and obligations relating to the patenting of inventions.