AF Form 1279: Disclosure and Record of Invention Guide – If you are an Air Force service member, civilian employee, or contractor who has developed a new invention during your official duties, documenting it properly is essential for protecting intellectual property and potentially earning recognition or a cash award. AF Form 1279, officially titled Disclosure and Record of Invention, is the primary document used by the U.S. Air Force to record and evaluate potentially patentable inventions.
This form helps the Air Force assess whether an invention should proceed to patent consideration while ensuring government interests are preserved. Below is a comprehensive, up-to-date guide based on official sources, including the current form from Air Force e-Publishing and governing instructions.
What Is AF Form 1279 and Why Is It Important?
AF Form 1279 serves as the official record of an invention made by Air Force personnel. Its main purpose is to document inventions for consideration of patenting by the Air Force.
When you create something novel and useful as part of your duties—such as a new process, device, material, or software improvement—the Air Force may own rights to it. Submitting this form triggers review by patent counsel, who evaluates patentability, potential military applications, and commercial possibilities.
Key benefits of proper disclosure include:
- Protection of Air Force intellectual property
- Possible cash awards for inventors (processed using personal information from the form)
- Contribution to technology transfer that benefits warfighters and U.S. industry
- Compliance with Air Force policy requiring reporting of all inventions made while employed by the Air Force
According to AFI 51-303 (or its successor guidance), Air Force personnel must report inventions using AF Form 1279, typically accompanied by AF Form 1981 (Invention Evaluation) and AF Form 1280 (Invention Rights Questionnaire).
Note: The form is subject to the Privacy Act of 1974. Disclosure is voluntary, but failing to provide complete information may delay patent processing or prevent a cash award. SSN is used for identification purposes.
Who Should Use AF Form 1279?
- Active-duty Air Force and Space Force members
- Air Force civilian employees
- Certain contractors or others working on Air Force-related projects
Inventions made during official duties generally belong to the government. Accurate and timely submission helps preserve rights and supports innovation across the Department of the Air Force.
How to Download the Official AF Form 1279?
The most current version is available directly from the official Air Force e-Publishing site:
→ Download AF Form 1279 PDF here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/saf_gc/form/af1279/af1279.pdf
Always use the latest PDF from e-publishing.af.mil to ensure compliance. Previous editions are obsolete.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Completing AF Form 1279
The form is straightforward but requires detailed technical information. Fill in every blank with the requested data or enter “NONE” if it does not apply. Use continuation sheets for extra space and clearly identify the item number.
Here are the main sections:
- Descriptive Title of the Invention
Provide a clear, concise, and technically accurate title. - Identification of Inventor(s)
For each inventor (up to the form’s layout, typically multiple allowed):- Full name
- AFSC or occupational series
- Citizenship
- SSN
- Duty address
- Duty phone/FAX (include DSN)
- Grade/rank
- Duty symbol
- Summary of the Invention
Give a high-level overview of what the invention is and does. - Use(s) of Invention
- A. Government/military uses
- B. Potential commercial applications
- Dates Related to Conception and Disclosure
- Date conceived
- Date first disclosed to others
- To whom it was disclosed
- Additional Dates
- First drawing or sketch
- First written description
- First model, prototype, simulation, etc.
- Has the Invention Been Tested?
Yes/No. If yes, provide date and results. - Has the Invention Been Used?
Yes/No. If yes, describe (experimental or routine use) with dates and details. - Persons with Personal Knowledge
List names and addresses of witnesses or others who know facts from items 5–8. - Printed Publication Disclosure
Has it been published? Yes/No. If yes, provide details and attach a copy. - Related Prior Art
List any known patents, publications, products, or uses closely related to your invention. - Description and Operation (Most Important Section)
Attach separate sheets following this exact outline:- a. Purpose — What problem does it solve?
- b. Background — Describe prior methods and their limitations/disadvantages.
- c. Description, Manner, and Process — Provide the best mode of the invention in full detail. Include sketches, drawings, diagrams, photos, formulas, etc. Number parts and explain operation clearly.
- d. Advantages and New Features — What makes it better? Highlight novel aspects.
- e. Alternatives — Describe any alternative ways to practice the invention.
- Joint Invention Contributions
If multiple inventors, detail each person’s specific contribution. - Certification of Inventor(s)
Sign and date. Certify that you understand the disclosure and agree to assign title to the Government if requested. - Certification of Witness(es)
Witnesses must sign to corroborate the statements.
Submission Requirements:
- Submit one original and two copies.
- The form must be signed and witnessed on page 3.
- Mail to: AFMC LO/JAZ, 2240 B Street, Suite 5, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7109.
Estimated Completion Time: 15–60 minutes (average 35–40 minutes), depending on the complexity of the technical description.
Tips for a Strong Submission
- Be as detailed and clear as possible in the technical description—patent counsel and examiners rely on this.
- Include supporting materials (drawings, photos, test data) whenever possible.
- Coordinate with your supervisor for an AF Form 1981 recommendation.
- Do not publicly disclose the invention (publications, presentations, etc.) until patent counsel approves or a patent application is filed. This preserves patent rights.
- Contact your local servicing patent counsel for assistance or questions.
Air Force Technology Transfer (T3) offices and AFWERX also provide resources, including training videos on recognizing inventions and completing disclosures.
Common Questions About AF Form 1279
Q: Is the form still current?
The version available on e-publishing.af.mil is the active form (AF IMT 1279, 19941101, V2). Always verify on the official site.
Q: What happens after I submit it?
Patent counsel reviews the disclosure, may request more information, and decides on patent pursuit. If selected, it may lead to a patent application and potential awards.
Q: Can contractors use this form?
Primarily for Air Force personnel, but related contract inventions may follow DFARS clauses or specific agreement terms.
For the latest policy, refer to official Air Force instructions on patents and technology transfer.
Protect Your Invention and Support Air Force Innovation
Submitting AF Form 1279 is a critical step in safeguarding innovations that strengthen national defense and enable technology transition to industry. Whether you’re a scientist, engineer, maintainer, or in another role, your ideas matter.
Download the form today: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/saf_gc/form/af1279/af1279.pdf
If you have questions, reach out to your local patent counsel or technology transfer office. Timely and complete disclosures help turn Air Force ingenuity into real-world advantages for our warfighters and the nation.
This guide is for informational purposes and is based on official U.S. Air Force publications as of 2026. Always consult the current form and your servicing patent counsel for official guidance.