INTERNET ASSOCIATION URGES SENATE TO BRING STRONG PATENT LEGISLATION TO THE FLOOR

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Michael Beckerman, President and CEO of The Internet Association, released the following statement in response to the opening statements at the Senate Judiciary’s mark-up on patent reform legislation:

“The Internet Association continues to work with the Senate Judiciary Committee to bring strong patent legislation to the floor. We agree with Chairman Leahy that it is not enough simply to get any bill through the Committee. To be effective, legislation must target the mechanisms that patent trolls use to skew the odds in their favor and to shield themselves from responsibility for misuse of our patent system. At a minimum, strong fee shifting and discovery provisions must be part of that package. The Internet Association also agrees strongly with Senator Schumer that expanding the program for review of covered business method patents is a common-sense measure that would shut off the supply of bad patents fueling litigation by patent trolls. We look forward to continuing our work with the Senate Judiciary Committee to ensure that strong, focused patent legislation emerges from its process.”

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