A Practice Note discussing intellectual property issues in research and development contracts between contractors and the federal government. This Note reviews the rights granted to the US government by applicable laws and regulations in patents and inventions, software, and technical data. It includes a discussion of regulations and contract clauses under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), including allocation of rights, reporting requirements, and notification and marking requirements. It also discusses best practices for contractors to protect their rights in intellectual property developed or delivered under a contract with the US government.