Preventing Research Ownership Transfer to External Competitive...
To prohibit certain foreign governments from acquiring intellectual property rights of research conducted by United States universities, faculty, staff, or students, and for other purposes.
The PROTECT Act aims to stop certain foreign governments from obtaining intellectual property rights from research done by U.S. universities, faculty, staff, or students. This bill was introduced to address concerns about the transfer of sensitive research to potentially competitive foreign entities. If passed, it would impact U.S. universities, research institutions, and researchers by providing a legal framework to prevent the transfer of research findings to these foreign governments.
The bill was introduced on February 11, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. As of now, it is in the initial stages of the legislative process. Key actions so far include the introduction of the bill and its referral to the relevant committee for further consideration.
The bill is currently being reviewed by the House Committee on Education and Workforce. Further steps will include committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes before it can advance to the full House for consideration. The ultimate goal is to protect sensitive U.S. research from being exploited by foreign governments that may pose a competitive threat.
