House Judiciary Committee Passes Anti-Patent-Abuse Bill

Passed

The House Judiciary Committee has passed Rep. BOB GOODLATTE (R-VA)'s latest version of his patent reform bill , the Innovation Act (H.R. 9), which aims to stop "patent trolls" from using litigation to extract payment from businesses that some see as an abuse of the system.  Radio broadcasters and podcasters are among the parties having been targeted by holders of obscure patents; the bill passed by a 24-8 vote and moves now to the full House.

GOODLATTE, Chairman of the Committee as well as sponsor of the bill, said, “At its core, abusive patent litigation is a drag on our economy and stifles innovation.  It is a problem that impacts businesses and industries of all types and the jobs of the people who work for them, from the tech sector to the hospitality industry and even grocery stores.  Everyone from independent inventors, to start-ups, to mid-and large-sized businesses face this constant threat.  The tens of billions of dollars squandered on settlements and litigation expenses associated with abusive patent suits represent truly wasted capital – capital that could have been used to create new jobs, fund research and development, and create new innovations and technologies.

“The Innovation Act takes the necessary steps to address abusive patent litigation, while protecting legitimate property rights.  Specifically, the legislation targets abusive behavior rather than specific entities, preserves valid patent enforcement tools, preserves patent property rights, promotes invention by independents and small businesses, and strengthens the overall patent system.”

NAB EVP of Communications DENNIS WHARTON said, "NAB congratulates Chairman GOODLATTE and the House Judiciary Committee on bipartisan passage of legislation advancing patent reform. NAB is supportive of efforts to curtail abusive patent practices that stifle innovation, hurt economic growth and cost jobs. We will continuing to work with Chairman GOODLATTE and other congressional leaders as patent reform legislation progresses through Congress."

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