### Question
How does the law define contractor?


### Answer
Under *35 U.S.C. § 201*, **contractor** is defined as:

> any person, small business firm, or nonprofit organization that is a party to a funding agreement

#### Citation:
  - *35 U.S.C. § 201*
  - Heading: **PART II-PATENTABILITY OF INVENTIONS AND GRANT OF PATENTS > CHAPTER 18-PATENT RIGHTS IN INVENTIONS MADE WITH FEDERAL ASSISTANCE**

