Senator Mazie Hirono and Representative Steve Stivers Receive “Champion of the Inventor” Awards from Innovation Alliance
Members of Congress Recognized for Their Support for American Inventors and a Strong U.S. Patent System
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Steve Stivers (R-OH) today are receiving “Champion of the Inventor” awards from the Innovation Alliance, in recognition of their support for American inventors and a strong U.S. patent system. The awards are being presented at a reception in the U.S. Capitol.
“America’s patent system has been a driving force for innovation and economic growth in our country for more than 200 years,” said Brian Pomper, Executive Director of the Innovation Alliance. “Senator Hirono and Representative Stivers have fought tirelessly to strengthen that system and protect the intellectual property rights of America’s inventors. We are thrilled to honor them today with Champion of the Inventor awards.”
“It’s an honor to be recognized as the Innovation Alliance’s ‘Champion of the Inventor,’” said Senator Hirono. “The United States has long been the global leader in innovation. I want to make sure that we maintain that position and lead the world in 21st-century technologies like artificial intelligence, personalized medicine, and quantum computing. That’s why I have long championed patent reform that will provide the proper incentives for our innovators. It’s also why I’ve made it a priority to ensure that our patent system is available to women inventors, inventors or color, and all others. I am glad to be joined in these efforts by the Innovation Alliance, an organization that understands the importance of incentivizing innovation. And, I’m grateful to have a partner like Rep. Stivers, someone who fights for the rights of all inventors.”
“Innovation and invention are vital to our economic success, and I’m proud to be considered a Champion for the entrepreneurs who need the patent system to be free to create their next big idea,” said Representative Stivers. “The strength of our IP protection is the strength of our economy, and I’ll continue to strive to ensure that Main Street can be as much of an innovator as Silicon Valley.”
“Senator Hirono has been a leader in the fight for strong patent rights,” said Susie Armstrong, Senior Vice President, Engineering at Qualcomm. “She understands that intellectual property protections are critical to promoting American innovation and job creation. And she has championed efforts to close diversity gaps in patenting to ensure we are bringing everyone’s ideas to the table as we search for solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. We can’t thank her enough for her advocacy and support.”
“Like other universities across America, Ohio State relies on robust, enforceable patents to ensure our research discoveries can be turned into products that improve our quality of life and promote economic growth,” said Kevin Taylor, Associate Vice President of Technology Commercialization at Ohio State University. “Patents are simply the lifeblood of our nation’s innovation economy. We are so pleased that the Innovation Alliance is presenting Representative Stivers the ‘Champion of the Inventor Award’ for his steadfast leadership on protecting the U.S. patent system, promoting innovation, and championing inventors.”
###
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.