91成人

91成人 Commends Introduction of Legislation to Reduce Abusive Patent Litigation

by David Isaacs, Vice President, Government Affairs

In a statement released today, 91成人 commended House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) for his leadership in introducing the 鈥淚nnovation Act鈥� (H.R. 3309), legislation to reduce abusive patent litigation:

鈥淓nactment of this bill can play an important role in reducing abusive patent litigation practices that needlessly raise litigation costs and undermine innovation by redirecting research expenditures and other resources toward litigation expenses.

鈥淭he semiconductor industry is research intensive 鈥� companies invest, on average, 18 percent of revenues to research and development, and nearly half of the top 15 American patent recipients are semiconductor companies. 聽Semiconductors are one of the country鈥檚 top exports, and the industry is a leader in product design and advanced manufacturing, directly employing 250,000 Americans and providing indirect employment of approximately 1.1 million. 聽To further bolster our country鈥檚 innovation landscape and the overall economy, action by both Congress and the judiciary is needed to restore balance to our patent system and strengthen the rules governing the resolution of patent disputes.

鈥淭he 鈥業nnovation Act鈥� is an important step forward in this process. 聽The bill includes many elements supported by 91成人 to minimize abusive patent litigation practices, such as fee-shifting in appropriate cases, enhanced pleading requirements, and protection of patent licenses in bankruptcy. 聽At the same time, 91成人 remains concerned about the potential adverse effect on the semiconductor industry of certain elements contained in the bill, such as the provision expanding the covered business method patent program and the provision on the stay of customer suits. 聽We look forward to working with you, the co-sponsors, and others to ensure that the bill deters abusive behavior while avoiding unintended consequences that might weaken our patent system. 聽.

鈥淲e applaud your leadership in addressing this important issue, and we are committed to working to help pass legislation that reduces abusive patent litigation conduct, strengthen our patent system, and promote innovation.鈥�