The Patent Compensation Board was established by section 157 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. It was transferred to the Energy Research and Development Administration pursuant to section 104(d) of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5814) and subsequently to the Department of Energy by section 301 of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7151). Under section 157, the Board is given authority to determine reasonable royalty fees or resolve issues involving the grant of awards. In addition, the Board has authority:

(a) To hear and make decisions as to compensation under section 173 of the Act (42 U.S.C. 2223) and the Invention Secrecy Act (35 U.S.C. 183);

(b) To hear and make decisions as to whether a specific patent is affected with the public interest pursuant to section 153a of the Act;

(c) To hear and make decisions as to whether a specific patent license should be granted under sections 153b(2) and 153e of the Act;

(d) To give notices, hold hearings and take such other actions as may be necessary under section 153; and

(e) To exercise all powers available under the Act and necessary for the performance of these duties, including the issuance of such rules of procedure as may be necessary.