Sec. 1. 10 MRSA c. 317 is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 317

MAINE PATENT PROGRAM

§1921.__Maine Patent Program

The Maine Patent Program, referred to in this chapter as the "program," is administered by the Secretary of State.__The program's purpose is to support the commercialization and manufacturing of innovations in the State by providing education and assistance with the patent process of the United States Patent and Trademark Office to companies, inventors and entrepreneurs in the State.

1.__Program components.__The program must:

A.__Provide at least 4 workshops each year on general topics concerning the patent process of the United States Patent and Trademark Office;

B.__Provide at least 4 workshops each year on focused topics and specific training concerning the patent process of the United States Patent and Trademark Office;

C.__Conduct innovation screening of 50 to 100 preliminary potential patent applications and patent searches on 25 to 50__potential patent applications each year;

D.__Prepare 10 to 20 patent applications per year;

E.__ Provide licensing assistance;

F.__Provide assistance with patent renewals; and

G.__Provide other assistance concerning the patent process of the United States Patent and Trademark Office as needed.

2.__Applicant's costs and duties.__An applicant accepted by the program shall pay the costs of the patent search and opinion and for patent prosecution if the final product is manufactured or licensed out of state.__An applicant shall pay to the program a reasonable percentage of the royalties for any successful innovation patented through the program.

3.__Staffing.__The Secretary of State shall hire a director for the program.__The director must be a professional who: