DA Form 2872-R: Request for Invention Rights (PDF) – This one-page form, issued April 1993 by the Department of the Army, helps Army personnel formally request an official determination of rights for inventions made during their service. It supports compliance with Army Regulation (AR) 27-60 on Intellectual Property and Executive Order 10096.
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What Is DA Form 2872-R?
DA Form 2872-R, titled Request for Determination of Invention Rights (LRA), initiates the process for the Department of the Army to evaluate ownership rights between the government and the inventor (military member or civilian employee).
It is used when an Army-affiliated individual creates an invention, often in connection with official duties, and needs a formal decision on patent rights, licensing, or ownership. The proponent agency is the Office of The Judge Advocate General (OTJAG), specifically the Intellectual Property Division.
Purpose of DA Form 2872-R
The primary purpose is to request an official Department of the Army determination regarding rights in an invention. This clarifies whether:
- The inventor retains full rights.
- The Government receives a license.
- The Government claims full ownership.
This determination supports potential patent filing, protects government interests, and ensures inventors understand their rights under federal rules governing employee inventions.
It often pairs with DA Form 2871-R (Invention Rights Questionnaire), which provides detailed background on the invention and circumstances of its creation.
Who Should Use DA Form 2872-R?
- Active Duty Army military personnel.
- Army civilian employees.
- Individuals who made an invention while working for or on behalf of the Department of the Army.
Use this form if you believe you have developed a patentable invention during your Army service and need official clarification on rights.
Key Sections of DA Form 2872-R
The form is concise and includes these main fields (completed by the submitter where applicable):
- To / From — Routing information.
- Name of Inventor, Date.
- Title of Invention.
- Description of Invention.
- Patent Application Number (if applicable) and Date Application Was Filed.
- Existing Government Rights — Indicate any prior licenses or instruments.
- Recommendation — From the recommending official (e.g., commander or supervisor).
- Employment Status of Inventor (office/installation).
The lower section is completed by the Intellectual Property Division (OTJAG) for the official Department of the Army Determination, including signatures and dates.
How to Complete and Submit DA Form 2872-R?
- Gather Supporting Documents — Complete DA Form 2871-R (questionnaire) and any invention disclosure (e.g., DA Form 4734-R if applicable). Include a detailed description, drawings, or related materials.
- Fill Out the Form — Provide accurate details about the invention and your employment status. Print or type clearly.
- Obtain Recommendation — Secure input from your chain of command or appropriate supervisor.
- Route Through Channels — Submit via your local patent counsel, legal office, or Technology Transfer Office (e.g., through an Office of Research and Technology Applications – ORTA).
- OTJAG Review — The Intellectual Property Division reviews and issues the formal determination.
Consult your local JAG office, patent counsel, or technology transfer personnel for guidance specific to your command or laboratory. Timely submission is important to protect potential patent rights and avoid issues with public disclosure.
Related Forms and Resources
- DA Form 2871-R — Invention Rights Questionnaire (detailed supporting document).
- DA Form 2873-R — License of Invention (if a license is executed).
- AR 27-60 — Army Intellectual Property Regulation (primary governing document).
For official Army publishing, visit armypubs.army.mil. Technology transfer offices at Army labs and medical research facilities often assist with the full invention disclosure and patent process.
Why This Form Matters for Army Inventors?
Proper use of DA Form 2872-R protects both the inventor’s interests and the U.S. Government’s national security and technological advantages. Successful determinations can lead to patent applications, licensing opportunities, and potential awards or royalties for inventors while ensuring the Army can use innovations critical to the mission.
If you are an Army service member or civilian who has developed a new technology, process, or device in the course of your duties, start the process by contacting your supporting patent counsel or ORTA today.
Official Download: DA Form 2872-R PDF
This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available U.S. Army publications. Always consult official Army legal or technology transfer channels for current guidance and assistance with your specific situation.