BSA Commends Congressional Action on Patent Reform Bill

The Patent Reform Act of 2007 (H.R. 1908/S. 1145) is designed to ensure America remains a leader in global innovation by updating U.S. patent law for the modern realities of rapid technological innovation and rising global competition. The legislation includes provisions to improve patent quality; ensure equitable and fair remedies for patent infringement; give the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office greater resources to process a growing number of complex patent applications; and harmonize the American system with those of other major patent-granting nations.

“Clearly, there is strong momentum behind these important bills,” said Robert Holleyman, President and CEO of the Business Software Alliance (BSA). “The software industry is pleased by the Senate and House Judiciary Committees’ action and the continuing progress of this legislation which is essential to future innovation and prosperity in America,” said Holleyman.

The Senate bill approved is sponsored by a diverse group of senators including Patrick Leahy (D-VT), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Orrin Hatch (R-UT), a senior member of that panel, and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and John Cornyn (R-TX), also members of that panel.

The bill is remarkable both for the high-level, bipartisan support it enjoys and its rapid progress through the legislative process. The House bill was passed by the full Committee earlier this week, and is sponsored by leading Representatives including Howard Berman (D-CA), chairman of the courts subcommittee; John Conyers (D-M), chairman of the full committee; Lamar Smith (R-TX), the full committee’s ranking Republican; and Howard Coble (R-NC), the subcommittee’s ranking Republican.

“We commend the supporters of these bipartisan bills for their efforts to date, and we pledge to continue working with them and all of the stakeholders involved in this debate to ensure a fair and balanced outcome.”

The BSA has been a longtime, active advocate of patent reform, most recently bringing 12 CEOs of BSA member companies to Washington for a round of meetings with Cabinet officials, members of Congress, and other senior policymakers. -Business Software Alliance