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<law><site_title>Virginia Decoded</site_title><site_url>https://vacode.org</site_url><law_id>372842</law_id><section_number>59.1-213</section_number><catch_line>Mandatory contract terms</catch_line><edition url="https://vacode.org/2026/" slug="2026" current="TRUE" last_updated="2026-08-02">2026</edition><referred_to_by><reference>59.1-212</reference></referred_to_by><structure><unit label="title" level="1" order_by="127" identifier="59.1">Trade and Commerce</unit><unit label="chapter" level="2" order_by="36" identifier="18">Regulation of Invention Development Services</unit></structure><text>
						<section><p>Every <span class="dictionary">contract for invention development services</span> shall set forth in boldface type of not less than ten-point size all of the following:</p></section>
						<section id="1"><p><span class="prefix-number">1.</span> The terms and conditions of payment required by &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Contracting requirements" href="/59.1-209/">59.1-209</a>. <a id="paragraph-1390470" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/59.1-213/#1"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="2"><p><span class="prefix-number">2.</span> A full, clear and concise description of the specific acts or services that the <span class="dictionary">invention developer</span> undertakes to perform for the <span class="dictionary">customer</span>; and, to the extent that the description of the specific acts or services affords discretion in the <span class="dictionary">invention developer</span> as to what specific acts or services will be performed, the <span class="dictionary">invention developer</span> shall be deemed a fiduciary. <a id="paragraph-1390471" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/59.1-213/#2"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="3"><p><span class="prefix-number">3.</span> A statement as to whether the <span class="dictionary">invention developer</span> undertakes to construct, sell or distribute one or more prototypes, models or devices embodying the <span class="dictionary">customer</span>&#x2019;s invention. <a id="paragraph-1390472" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/59.1-213/#3"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="4"><p><span class="prefix-number">4.</span> The full name and principal place of business of the <span class="dictionary">invention developer</span> and the name and principal place of business of any parent, subsidiary or affiliated company that may engage in performing any of the <span class="dictionary">invention development services</span>. <a id="paragraph-1390473" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/59.1-213/#4"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="5"><p><span class="prefix-number">5.</span> The names and addresses of the persons and organizations, other than employees of the <span class="dictionary">invention developer</span>, that may perform any of the <span class="dictionary">invention development services</span>. <a id="paragraph-1390474" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/59.1-213/#5"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="6"><p><span class="prefix-number">6.</span> A statement of the fee charged, and the proposed specific application of the proceeds of such fee by the <span class="dictionary">invention developer</span>, including but not limited to the approximate portion that will be expended for services relating to patent matters, and all portions of the fee that represent sales commissions, incentive payments, finder&#x2019;s fees, or any amounts intended to compensate any agent, employee, salesman or other person for procuring the <span class="dictionary">customer</span>. <a id="paragraph-1390475" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/59.1-213/#6"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="7"><p><span class="prefix-number">7.</span> A statement as to whether the <span class="dictionary">invention developer</span> intends to expend more for the <span class="dictionary">invention development services</span> than the cash fee charged the <span class="dictionary">customer</span>. <a id="paragraph-1390476" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/59.1-213/#7"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="8"><p><span class="prefix-number">8.</span> If any oral or written representation of estimated or projected <span class="dictionary">customer</span> earnings is given by the <span class="dictionary">invention developer</span>, a statement of such projection or estimation and a description of the data upon which it is based. <a id="paragraph-1390477" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/59.1-213/#8"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="9"><p><span class="prefix-number">9.</span> A statement as to whether or not the <span class="dictionary">invention developer</span> or any officer thereof is licensed to practice <span class="dictionary">law</span> in any <span class="dictionary">jurisdiction</span> or is a registered patent agent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. <a id="paragraph-1390478" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/59.1-213/#9"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="10"><p><span class="prefix-number">10.</span> The name and address of the custodian of all records and correspondence pertaining to the contracted for <span class="dictionary">invention development services</span>, and a statement that the <span class="dictionary">invention developer</span> is required to maintain all records and correspondence relating to performance of the <span class="dictionary">invention development services</span> for that <span class="dictionary">customer</span> for a period of not less than two years after expiration of the term of the <span class="dictionary">contract for invention development services</span>, which records and correspondence will be made available to the <span class="dictionary">customer</span> or his representative for review and copying at the <span class="dictionary">customer</span>&#x2019;s reasonable expense on the <span class="dictionary">invention developer</span>&#x2019;s premises during normal business hours upon seven days&#x2019; written notice. <a id="paragraph-1390479" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/59.1-213/#10"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="11"><p><span class="prefix-number">11.</span> A statement setting forth a time schedule for performance of the <span class="dictionary">invention development services</span>, including an estimated date by which performance of the <span class="dictionary">invention development services</span> is expected to be completed. <a id="paragraph-1390480" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/59.1-213/#11"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section></text><history>1977, c. 649.</history><metadata></metadata></law>
