Navy scientists rank No. 1 when it comes to newly patented discoveries and inventions, according to a June report published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The IEEE's annual Patent Power Scorecard, that ranks the relative significance of various organizations' patent portfolios, said the Navy surpassed all international government agencies. IEEE is the world's largest professional association dedicated to advancing technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity. "This recognition reflects the national importance of the Navy's scientists and engineers and our commitment to protecting the government's intellectual property," said Naval Surface Warfare Center Commander Rear Adm. Jim Shannon. The NAVSEA Warfare Centers (WFCs) contributed 113 of the 232 patents issued to the Navy in 2009. Additionally, 228 patent applications were filed by the WFCs with the United States Patent and Trademark Office in fiscal year 2009. Overseen by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) who is responsible for the policy and direction concerning patents, inventions, trademarks, copyrights and royalty payments (intellectual property), the Department of the Navy outpaced its closest two competitors by wide margins. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued 121 patents and Japan's Science and Technology Agency distributed 104. With approximately 19,000 scientists, engineers, technicians and support personnel, including more than 500 employees with Ph.D.s, the NAVSEA WFCs help deliver the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. (Source: NAVSEA)