America Invents Act: Senate Patent Reform Debate Begins
Yesterday the Senate began debate on S.23, the Patent Reform Act of 2011, also referred to as the "America Invents Act" by its sponsor, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), who spoke at length about the need for patent reform during his introductory remarks. Several Senators rose to voice their views on the bill, and several
new amendments were offerred on the Senate floor (some amedments are not relevant to the underlying S.23 bill):
- S.Amdt. 114 by Sen. Leahy (D-VT): to change the title of S.23 to "America Invents Act" and providing authority to set/adjust use fees
- S.Amdt. 116 by Sen. Bennet (D-CO): "To reduce the fee amounts paid by small entities requesting prioritized examination under Three-Track Examination."
- S.Amdt. 117 by Sen. Bennet (D-CO): "To establish additional USPTO satellite offices."
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Senator Leahy (above) stated "The America Invents Act provides the tools the PTO needs to separate the inventive wheat from the chaff, to help businesses bring new products to market and create jobs. This is interesting because this is a piece of legislation that is supported by both business and labor--something we all want to see in this Chamber--including the National Association of Manufacturers, the United Steelworkers, the National Venture Capital Association, the AFL-CIO, the Association of American Universities, and companies representing all sectors of the patent community that have been urging action on patent reform proposals for years."
The Senate takes up the bill again today, March 1, 2011, after morning business is concluded, though because of the pending budget continuation resolution debate, other Senate activity, like patent reform, may be delayed.
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