The Invention Secrecy Act of 1952 limits the distribution of new technologies. Under this law, the government blocks patents to protect national interests. Defense offices and the patent office review new ideas. The government pays inventors compensation to maintain secrets. Later, the government may lift the secrecy order so the patent can go through.

These rules stop inventors from selling their ideas or starting collaborations. Aerospace, defense, and computer companies face these orders. Current secrecy orders rose from 5,976 in 2021 to 6,543 in 2025. During 2025, the government added 102 new orders and removed 30. Among the requesting agencies are the Navy, Air Force, and Department of Energy.

Private inventors without government sponsorship also face these secret orders. In 2025, the government placed 18 of these orders on independent creators. Inside this clash lies the tension between open science and national safety. Other nations use similar rules. To retain its lead, the United States relies on these procedures. Government offices control the flow of data to stay ready for war.