AF Form 1981: Invention Evaluation Guide & Download

AF Form 1981: Invention Evaluation Guide & Download – If you’re an Airman, civilian employee, or contractor working for the U.S. Air Force and you’ve developed a potentially patentable invention during your duties, understanding AF Form 1981 (Invention Evaluation) is essential. This form plays a key role in the Air Force’s invention disclosure and patent process, helping evaluate whether an invention warrants further patent protection and supporting technology transfer that benefits warfighters and national security.

What Is AF Form 1981?

AF Form 1981, titled Invention Evaluation, is an official U.S. Air Force form used to document a supervisor’s or evaluator’s recommendation regarding the patentability and value of an invention made by Air Force personnel. It accompanies the primary AF Form 1279 (Disclosure and Recording of Invention) when submitting an invention for official review.

The form helps determine if the invention has sufficient value to the Air Force to justify pursuing patent protection. In some cases, an activity’s Invention Evaluation Board may provide an equivalent evaluation instead of the standard AF Form 1981, provided it includes all relevant information.

Current official source: Download the latest version of AF Form 1981 directly from the Air Force e-Publishing site:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/saf_gc/form/af1981/af1981_rev.pdf

This form is governed primarily by AFI 51-303 (Intellectual Property, Patent, and Copyright Matters), last significantly updated in 2018, which outlines responsibilities for reporting and evaluating inventions.

Why Is AF Form 1981 Important?

The Air Force encourages personnel to disclose inventions made during employment. Patents allow the Department of the Air Force to:

  • Protect government interests in technology developed with taxpayer funds.
  • Control the use and licensing of the invention.
  • Potentially provide cash awards or recognition to inventors under 10 U.S.C. § 1124 and related authorities.
  • Support technology transfer that enhances warfighter capabilities and benefits U.S. industry.

Inventions should generally meet three key criteria for patent consideration: novel, useful, and non-obvious. Submitting the proper forms ensures a thorough evaluation, security review (where applicable), and determination of government rights in the invention.

The Invention Disclosure Process (Step-by-Step)

  1. Document the Invention: Prepare a detailed description of your invention (often using AF Form 1279).
  2. Complete AF Form 1279 (Disclosure and Recording of Invention): This is the primary disclosure document. Submit one original and two copies, signed and witnessed.
  3. Obtain Supervisor/Evaluator Recommendation: Use AF Form 1981 for the Invention Evaluation. Your supervisor or designated evaluator provides input on the invention’s potential value to the Air Force.
  4. Submit to Servicing Patent Counsel: Send the package (AF Form 1279 + AF Form 1981 + any supporting materials) to your local patent counsel or the appropriate Office of Research and Technology Applications (ORTA). For many activities, this routes through AFMC LO/JAZ at Wright-Patterson AFB.
  5. Review and Decision: The Air Force evaluates the invention for patentability, security concerns (under the Invention Secrecy Act if applicable), and value. If pursued, patent applications are filed and prosecuted.
  6. Possible Outcomes: The government may retain rights, title, and interest; award the inventor; or license the technology.

Note: Always coordinate with your unit’s ORTA or legal office early. Some medical or specialized units have additional internal approval steps (e.g., consultant to the USAF Surgeon General).

How to Fill Out AF Form 1981?

While the exact block-by-block layout is in the official PDF (which requires Adobe Reader), typical sections include:

  • Inventor and Invention Details: Cross-referencing the related AF Form 1279.
  • Evaluator’s Assessment: Comments on novelty, usefulness, potential Air Force applications, and recommendation for or against pursuing patent protection.
  • Recommendation for Patenting: Supervisor or board input on whether the invention merits further processing.
  • Approving Official Signatures: Required approvals before routing to patent counsel.
  • Additional Fields: Related contracts, security classification notes, or supporting rationale.

Best Practices:

  • Be clear, factual, and detailed about the invention’s military or operational value.
  • Attach drawings, data, or prototypes descriptions as needed.
  • Ensure compliance with Privacy Act statements on the forms.

For precise instructions, refer to the form itself and AFI 51-303. Training modules on Air Force invention disclosures are available through official channels, such as those hosted by Air Force T3 (Technology Transfer).

  • AF Form 1279: Disclosure and Recording of Invention (core disclosure document).
  • AF Form 1280: Invention Rights Questionnaire (helps determine ownership rights).
  • Supporting documentation as required by your local patent office.

Benefits of Disclosing Inventions via AF Form 1981

Successful disclosures can lead to:

  • Official recognition and potential monetary awards for inventors.
  • Protection of innovative ideas that improve Air Force operations.
  • Technology transfer opportunities that strengthen U.S. defense industrial base.
  • Personal and professional development for innovative Airmen and civilians.

Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) and other organizations actively highlight how patents benefit both warfighters and industry.

Where to Get Help?

  • Official Forms: Visit www.e-publishing.af.mil for the most current versions.
  • Local Support: Contact your servicing patent counsel, unit ORTA, or legal office (JA).
  • Training: Look for Air Force Technology Transfer videos and modules on invention disclosure.
  • Wright-Patterson AFB Routing: Many packages are sent to AFMC LO/JAZ, 2240 B Street, Suite 5, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7109.

Important: Invention disclosure is generally voluntary but strongly encouraged. Failure to follow proper procedures could affect government rights or inventor recognition. Always consult official Air Force guidance and legal advisors for your specific situation, as policies can be updated.

If you have developed a new idea, process, device, or improvement while serving the Air Force, start by downloading AF Form 1981 and AF Form 1279 today and reach out to your local experts to protect and evaluate your invention.

This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available U.S. Air Force publications as of 2026. For authoritative guidance, refer directly to AFI 51-303, the forms on e-Publishing, and your chain of command or legal counsel.