Patent Reform on the Horizon

Last week, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Representative John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich) introduced a new patent reform bill, which incorporates some provisions from previous reform efforts. Several high-tech companies have been pushing for an overhaul of the nation's patent system, and these companies seem confident that the Obama Administration will shepherd the reforms that they are seeking. Currently, the White House website seems to confirm the high-tech industry's beliefs. The new Administration is calling to reform the patent system in order to "reduce uncertainty and wasteful litigation" and to "ensure that our patent laws protect legitimate rights." While tech companies support the validity of the need for such reform, other industries, such as the pharmaceutical industry, oppose various aspects of the latest bill. In addition, some members of Congress have called for the nominations of a new PTO Director and Undersecretary of Commerce before the bill moves any further.

While the bill's sponsors are hopeful that it will generate new jobs and enhance innovation, various studies dispute whether the legislative language will increase jobs in the tech sector, or threaten the existence of certain manufacturing jobs. The bill also contains a number of provisions that have been deemed controversial, including limitations on damages for patent infringement suits.

For more information on the Patent Reform Bill, pleace visit:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10187240-38.html

For the language of the bill, please visit:
http://judiciary.senate.gov/legislation/upload/PatentReformActOf2009-AsIntroduced.pdf

For more information on the White House's Technology Agenda, please visit:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/technology/