From the Alliance


Feb. 11, 2014

More Than 150 Businesses and Organizations Send Letter to Senate Judiciary Leaders Encouraging Caution towards New Patent Legislation

WASHINGTON – More than 150 businesses and organizations of varying sizes and representing a wide range of industries—small businesses, entrepreneurial startups, trade associations, professional organizations, labor unions, and universities – sent a letter to Senate Judiciary leaders citing concern with pending patent legislation, urging great caution, and expressing the shared view that any future hearings on the patent debate should focus on “the many different aspects of patent legislation and the broad spectrum of stakeholders who would be affected by it.”

“The U.S. patent system is a driving engine of our economy and a vital contributor to the nation’s economic creativity and ingenuity,” according to the letter. “Any changes that are made should not undermine U.S. patents, their robust enforcement, or the existing economic incentives for companies of all sizes to invest in new jobs, research, and development.”

The letter was delivered to Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).

Signees of the letter included: Association of American Universities, Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), Innovation Alliance, Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA), Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), and IEEE-USA, among others.

Read the full letter here.

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The Innovation Alliance represents innovators, patent owners and stakeholders from a diverse range of industries that believe in the critical importance of maintaining a strong patent system that supports innovative enterprises of all sizes. Innovation Alliance members can be found in large and small communities across the country, helping to fuel the innovation pipeline and drive the 21st century economy.