Statement in Advance of the PATENT Act Markup

Internet Association President and CEO Michael Beckerman issues the following statement in advance of the Senate Judiciary Committee markup of the PATENT Act:

“The Internet Association applauds the tireless efforts of the Senate Judiciary Committee — in particular Senators Grassley, Leahy, Cornyn, Schumer, Hatch, Lee and Klobuchar — to advance legislation curbing abusive patent litigation tactics. Specifically, the Protecting American Talent and Entrepreneurship (PATENT) Act includes provisions such as heightened pleading, discovery, and fee shifting that help to reduce the harmful burdens patent trolls impose on the economy.

“We appreciate the commitment of the sponsors to improve the Inter Partes Review (IPR) provisions as introduced. As currently written, the proposed changes to the IPR program significantly weaken a process that allows leading companies and employers to challenge the validity of low quality patents in the appropriate forum.

“The final package must include strong reforms to stop patent trolls from wreaking havoc on our economy. The Internet Association and its member companies will continue to work with the Senate, House and all relevant stakeholders as this process moves forward.”

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