From the Alliance


Nov. 14, 2013

Innovation Alliance statement on today’s U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee hearing on patent assertion entities

WASHINGTON – Innovation Alliance Executive Director Brian Pomper released the following statement on today’s hearing by the House Energy & Commerce Committee titled “The Impact of Patent Assertion Entities on Innovation and the Economy”:

“The Innovation Alliance believes that abusive, frivolous demand letters are a drain on small businesses and our economy. We support efforts by policymakers to address abuses in a targeted manner, but an expansion of the Federal Trade Commission’s regulatory authority under Section 5 is the wrong approach. Such an expansion would give it unprecedented and unwarranted power to decide the validity of patents and the merits of infringement claims and commercial licensing negotiations. The U.S. patent system has created the greatest economy in the world, and any efforts to alter that system must be made with caution and care so that they carry no unintended consequences for inventors and job creators across the country.”

About Innovation Alliance
Innovation and entrepreneurship are at the heart of America’s economic strength. The U.S. patent system is, in turn, the foundation for America’s inventiveness and dynamic business culture. Changes to the U.S. patent system will impact our nation’s ability to continue as the globe’s technological leader and must be approached with caution and forethought. The Innovation Alliance is committed to improving patent quality while protecting and promoting innovation. For more information, please visit: www.innovation.wideeyeclient.com.
Contact: Jaime Horn, (202) 827-7859, Jaime@BlueEngineMedia.com