AF Form 1280: Invention Rights Questionnaire Guide & PDF – If you are an Air Force military member or civilian employee who has developed a new invention or potentially patentable idea during your service, understanding AF Form 1280 (Invention Rights Questionnaire) is essential. This form helps determine the respective rights of the inventor and the U.S. Government in the invention.
Air Force personnel must follow strict procedures for reporting inventions under AFI 51-303, Intellectual Property. The official blank form is available for download here: AF Form 1280 PDF.
What Is AF Form 1280?
AF Form 1280, officially titled Invention Rights Questionnaire, is a three-page form used by the Department of the Air Force. It gathers detailed information from inventors to help the servicing patent counsel determine ownership rights in an invention made by Air Force personnel.
The form supports compliance with Executive Order 10096, which governs rights to inventions made by Government employees. It is part of the broader Air Force invention disclosure and patenting process.
Key related forms include:
- AF Form 1279 — Disclosure and Recording of Invention (initial reporting).
- AF Form 1981 — Invention Evaluation (supervisor’s recommendation).
When Do You Need to Submit AF Form 1280?
You generally complete AF Form 1280 in these situations:
- You do not intend to voluntarily assign all rights in the invention to the Air Force.
- You need a formal determination of rights between you (the inventor) and the Government.
- You are requesting non-domestic (foreign) filing rights when the Air Force declines to pursue international patent protection.
If you are willing to assign all rights to the Government voluntarily, you may skip the questionnaire. In that case, you become eligible for the Air Force invention awards program (cash awards for inventions processed for patenting).
Note: Disclosure is voluntary, but failing to provide the requested information may delay or prevent a final determination of rights. Co-inventors must each submit a separate form.
The Air Force Invention Disclosure Process (Step-by-Step)
- Report the Invention — Submit AF Form 1279 (Disclosure and Recording of Invention) to your servicing patent counsel, along with a supervisor’s recommendation on AF Form 1981.
- Indicate Rights Intent — On the disclosure, state whether you intend to assign all rights to the Air Force.
- Submit AF Form 1280 (if needed) — If you decline full assignment or need rights determination/foreign filing rights, complete and submit the questionnaire to the servicing patent counsel.
- Review and Recommendation — The patent counsel reviews the submission, may request additional information (such as your job description at the time of the invention), and forwards a recommendation to SAF/GCQ (Secretary of the Air Force, General Counsel).
- Determination — The Government evaluates rights based on factors like whether the invention was made during official duties, with Government resources, or in a field related to your assigned work.
The process protects both Government interests and inventor rights while enabling potential technology transfer, licensing, or awards.
Key Instructions for Completing AF Form 1280
- Submit the original and two copies.
- Print or type all answers clearly.
- If more space is needed, attach blank sheets and clearly identify the question number.
- Answer all relevant questions thoroughly. The form asks for details such as:
- Descriptive title of the invention.
- Circumstances of the invention (when, where, and how it was conceived or reduced to practice).
- Your official duties and responsibilities at the time.
- Use of Government time, facilities, materials, or funds.
- Any prior disclosures or related work.
- Co-inventors (if any).
The form references Executive Order 10096 criteria and includes a Privacy Act statement. Acceptance of a cash award under the incentive awards program generally allows the Government royalty-free use of the invention.
Tip: Include your job description and any supporting details to help the patent counsel make an accurate determination and avoid delays.
Why Proper Completion Matters
- Protects Your Rights — Ensures a fair evaluation of your personal contributions versus Government resources.
- Supports Patenting — Helps the Air Force decide whether to pursue patent protection, which can lead to technology transfer opportunities.
- Eligibility for Awards — Full assignment of rights qualifies you for monetary invention awards.
- National Security & Technology Transfer — Accurate reporting supports U.S. innovation while complying with laws on secrecy orders and foreign filing.
Air Force guidance emphasizes reporting all inventions made while employed with the Air Force.
Where to Get Help?
- Contact your servicing patent counsel (usually through your legal office or installation’s Office of Research and Technology Applications – ORTA).
- Review the full guidance in AFI 51-303 (available on the Air Force e-Publishing site).
- Watch official Air Force training videos on invention disclosure and intellectual property protection (search “Air Force T3” or “Disclosing a New Invention” on AF.mil or DVIDS).
Download the Official Form
Click here to download the current AF Form 1280 directly from the official source:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/saf_gc/form/af1280/af1280.pdf
Always use the latest version from e-Publishing.af.mil to ensure compliance.
Final Thoughts
AF Form 1280 plays a critical role in the Air Force’s intellectual property management. Whether you are a scientist, engineer, or other Airman contributing innovative ideas, properly disclosing and determining rights protects your contributions, supports national defense innovation, and may qualify you for recognition and awards.
If you have developed something new on the job, start with AF Form 1279 and consult your chain of command or patent counsel promptly. Early action helps preserve patent rights and prevents public disclosure issues.
For the most current policies, always refer to official Air Force publications on e-Publishing.af.mil and consult your servicing legal office. Protecting intellectual property strengthens the Air Force mission and American technological superiority.