What percentage of royalty payments can federal employees receive from government-assigned inventions under the Federal Technology Transfer Act?

The Federal Technology Transfer Act allows federal employees to receive a percentage of royalty payments for inventions they create as part of their government assignments. Specifically, payments can be structured such that they may exceed the employee's official pay, capped at a maximum limit. This aspect of the law is designed to encourage innovation and facilitate the commercial application of federally developed technologies by incentivizing employees to participate in the transfer of technology.

The option indicating that payments can exceed official pay, subject to a maximum amount, aligns with the intent of the Federal Technology Transfer Act, which aims to reward inventors while maintaining a structured approach to the distribution of royalties. The capacity for such payments is an essential element that distinguishes this context from others where employees may have more restrictions on additional income or royalties.

The other options either misrepresent the legislation or impose unwarranted limitations that do not reflect the intent of the act. Understanding the underlying principles and policies supporting technology transfer is crucial for IACUC professionals, as it informs how such inventions can be managed within their institutional frameworks.