Protecting U.S. Research from Foreign Control
Official: Preventing Research Ownership Transfer to External Competitive Threats (PROTECT) Act of 2026
This bill aims to prevent foreign governments from taking ownership of research developed in the United States, especially from universities. It is important for protecting national security and maintaining control over valuable intellectual property.
1. This bill stops certain foreign governments from owning U.S. research results. 2. It applies to research done by universities, faculty, staff, or students in the U.S. 3. The bill specifically targets governments from nations considered threats to the U.S. 4. Violating this law can lead to hefty fines for universities, up to $5 million. 5. The Secretary of State decides which countries are considered threats.
University researchers, faculty, and students working on projects related to national security.