B.__Has experience in commercialization, such as working as an in-house patent professional for a large company or an academic or nonprofit technology transfer operation;

C.__Has relevant experience working directly with manufacturers;

D.__Has relevant experience working directly with entrepreneurial startups;

E.__Has relevant experience working directly with independent inventors;

F.__Has experience with equity and royalty offerings;

G.__Has experience with successful licensing; and

H.__Has experience in educating the general public through workshops, seminars and continuing education courses.

4.__Fund.__The Maine Patent Fund, referred to in this chapter as the "fund," is established as a revolving, nonlapsing fund to supplement the Maine Patent Program.__All money from royalties received from applicants pursuant to this chapter must be credited to the fund.__Money in the fund not currently needed to meet expenses of the program must be deposited with the Treasurer of State to the credit of the fund and may be invested as provided by law.__Interest on these investments must be credited to the fund.__Money in the fund may only be expended in accordance with allocations approved by the Legislature.

5.__Rulemaking.__The Secretary of State may adopt routine, technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II-A to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

Sec. 2. Appropriation. The following funds are appropriated from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.

2000-01

SECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF THE

Maine Patent Program

Positions - Legislative Count (1.000)

Personal Services $50,226