Law360: Congress Must Restore IP Protection To Drive US Innovation by Paul Michel
Founding a successful startup has never been easy, but a little-known U.S. Supreme Court ruling has made it even more difficult in recent years by enabling corporations that use startups’ patented technology without permission to get off nearly scot-free.
Now, Congress has a chance to set things right. On Feb. 25, Sens. Chris Coons, D-Del., and Tom Cotton, R-Ark., reintroduced the Realizing Engineering, Science, and Technology Opportunities by Restoring Exclusive, or RESTORE, Patent Rights Act, a bipartisan bill that would enable startups and other patent holders to block infringers from unlawfully exploiting their patented technology.
By deterring patent copying or outright theft, the legislation would attract capital and enhance America’s global competitiveness.