New Democrat Coalition Calls for Action to Curb ‘Patent Troll’ Abuses
In advance of a scheduled Rules Committee meeting on H.R. 3309, the Innovation Act, the New Democrat Coalition’s tech and innovation leaders released the following statement urging their colleagues to act on patent reform and cut down on the abuses of ‘patent trolls.’
“We are pleased that the House will consider this important patent reform bill that passed with broad, bipartisan support in the Judiciary Committee. We believe it is essential for Congress to move forward to provide our small business owners and entrepreneurs relief from the burdens of illegitimate patent claims that threaten job creation while also protecting the rights of legitimate patent holders to enforce their patents. We look forward to working with our colleagues constructively to pass meaningful patent reforms.”
H.R. 3309 would implement new transparency and accountability measures to protect small business owners from Patent Assertion Entities (PAEs), commonly referred to as ‘patent trolls.’ According a Boston University study, ‘patent trolls’ cost the United States $29 billion in 2011 alone. The New Democrat Coalition held a series of meetings, briefings and strategy sessions with industry stakeholders to build support for a comprehensive fix to the patent system earlier in the year.
New Democrat Coalition Vice-Chair Gerry Connolly, Vice-Chair Rep. Rick Larsen, Vice-Chair Rep. Jim Himes, Vice-Chair Rep. Allyson Schwartz and Members Rep. Jared Polis, Rep. Pedro Pierluisi and Rep. Suzan DelBene endorsed the above statement.
The New Democrat Coalition is dedicated to maintaining America’s standing as the world’s strongest, most successful nation. Founded in 1997, the New Dems believe firmly in the power of American ingenuity and innovation, and are focused on finding ways to foster and harness this creativity to grow our economy, create new American jobs, and ensure a safer and more secure future for our country.
Next Article