Statement of United for Patent Reform
WASHINGTON — United for Patent Reform released the following statement today on the House Judiciary Committee passage of H.R. 9, the Innovation Act:
“United for Patent Reform congratulates the members of the committee for passing H.R. 9, the Innovation Act, and we would like to voice our support for the bill as it moves forward. We believe the carefully crafted compromises on venue and discovery that were adopted at the markup will have a significant impact in deterring abusive litigation by patent trolls. We are also thankful for the Committee’s continued commitment to patent quality in maintaining the existing inter partes review (IPR) program.
“Abusive litigation from patent trolls has cost the U.S. economy half a trillion dollars in the last 20 years. The coalition is grateful to the committee for recognizing the scope of the damage caused by patent trolls and the need for Congress to take swift action to address the issue with a package of reforms designed to inhibit the patent troll business model and create a fair legal system for American businesses.
“We are heartened by the commitments from Chairman Goodlatte, Reps. Lofgren, Chaffetz, Issa, Farenthold and many other members to further address concerns with the pleading provision. It is critical to clarify that plaintiffs need to identify each claim of each patent that is alleged to be infringed so as to provide defendants with adequate notice of the plaintiffs’ accusations. We will continue working with the Chairman and the committee to correct this shortcoming in the legislation’s pleading provision as the bill advances.
“UFPR is also appreciative of Chairman Goodlatte and Rep. Marino for committing to improve the way in which the bill deals with the abusive demand letters patent trolls frequently use to specifically target small, Main Street businesses and startups.
“United for Patent Reform remains committed to working with the committee to improve the pleading provision and ensure the bill isn’t weakened as it proceeds to the Floor.”
For media inquiries, contact Beau Phillips at beau@resetpa.com or (202) 368-9033.
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United for Patent Reform is a broad coalition of diverse American businesses—from national realty, construction, and technology businesses to Main Street retail shops, hotels, grocers, convenience stores, and restaurants—pursuing comprehensive solutions to abusive patent litigation. For more information, visit www.UnitedforPatentReform.com and follow us on Twitter at @U4PatentReform.