Innovation Alliance Statement on U.S. Ranking in Global Index of Patent System Strength
Improvement in U.S. Chamber of Commerce International IP Index Reflects Progress Under New USPTO Leadership, But Judicial, Regulatory and Legislative Action Still Needed to Further Strengthen Patent Rights
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Innovation Alliance Executive Director Brian Pomper today issued the following statement in response to the release of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy Center’s 2019 International IP Index:
“The Innovation Alliance is pleased to see the improvement in the U.S. standing in the Chamber of Commerce’s global ranking of patent system strength. The change in our ranking from 12th place in 2018 to 2nd place in 2019 reflects the important progress being made at the U.S. Patent Office under the leadership of Director Andrei Iancu. However, judicial, regulatory and legislative action is still needed to further strengthen U.S. patent rights.
“Since he assumed office last year, Director Iancu has been focused on using his administrative powers to improve the predictability and reliability of the U.S. patent system. For example, to help address the confusion over Section 101 and what can and cannot be patented, the USPTO has issued new guidance to clarify the law for inventors. And to help restore balance to the agency’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) process, the USPTO has finalized a rule requiring the PTAB to use the same standard for considering patent claims as is used in federal courts, to prevent inconsistent results when the same patent is reviewed in different forums. Most importantly, Director Iancu has used his position to champion the brilliance of American inventors and the critical role our patent system plays in promoting their innovation.
“Despite the improvement in the U.S. ranking, we must not become complacent and assume that all is well in the U.S. patent system. Recent court decisions and legislation have weakened patent rights and undermined our nation’s innovation ecosystem. As a result, U.S. startup activity has slumped and venture capital investment has increasingly moved overseas.
“The U.S. can reassert its position as an international leader in innovation with smart fixes like the bipartisan STRONGER Patents Act, which would strengthen patent rights for all inventors. We must continue the progress that has been made and work to ensure our patent system continues to serve as an engine for U.S. innovation and job creation.”
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ABOUT THE INNOVATION ALLIANCE
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. Learn more at www.innovationalliance.net.