Innovation Alliance statement release regarding today’s House Judiciary Committee hearing on H.R. 3309: Improving the Patent System to Promote American Innovation and Competitiveness
Innovation Alliance Executive Director Brian Pomper released the following statement regarding today’s House Judiciary Committee hearing on H.R. 3309: Improving the Patent System to Promote American Innovation and Competitiveness:
“America’s innovators are a driving force of economic growth and job creation in our country, and the Innovation Alliance strongly believes that our standing as a global economic leader is directly dependent on the strength of our patent system and its ability to support innovative enterprises of all sizes. Chairman Goodlatte’s legislation, H.R. 3309, includes several provisions that have the potential to improve patent quality while protecting and promoting innovation, in particular, balanced fee shifting, heightened pleading standards and enhanced disclosure of real parties in interest – all of which we support in principle.
“However, we remain concerned about language in the legislation that would have negative impacts on U.S. inventors, the economy and job creation. As drafted, the mandatory stay is too broad and would actually increase patent litigation while inviting abuse by infringers who want to limit their damages. The proposed expansion of the covered business method patent program is too much, too soon, considering that the current program has only been in operation for slightly more than one year and there is no evidence to suggest that it is not working or needs to be changed. As H.R. 3309 continues through the legislative process, we look forward to working with Chairman Goodlatte and his staff to improve the bill.”
Contact: Amber McDowell, (202) 827-7862, Amber@BlueEngineMedia.com