Enacted on December 12, 1980 The Patent & Trademark Act (Public Law 96-517) created a uniform patent policy among Federal agencies that fund research. Bayh-Dole enables small businesses and non-profit organizations, including universities, to retain title to materials and products they invent under federal funding. Subsequent amendments created uniform licensing guidelines and expanded the law to include all federally funded contractors (Public Law 98-620). The implementing regulations for Bayh-Dole are published at 37 CFR Part 401.