Goodlatte Releases Patent Discussion Draft

Washington, D.C. - House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) today released a discussion draft of legislation designed to address the ever increasing problem of abusive patent litigation.  This discussion draft is the result of bipartisan, bicameral collaboration between Chairman Goodlatte and Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.).  Leahy said he expects to introduce separate legislation soon.

Chairman Goodlatte: “Abusive patent litigation and specifically patent trolls have a significant impact on American competitiveness, costing our economy billions of dollars each year.  I am pleased to announce that, working with Chairman Leahy, I have produced a draft that helps to address the issues that businesses of all sizes and industries face from patent troll-type behavior and aims to correct the current asymmetries surrounding abusive patent litigation. This discussion draft is the product of much work and numerous hearings, spanning multiple Congresses.  It is my hope that this discussion draft is the first step in enacting meaningful legislation that reduces the costs of frivolous litigation, increases patent certainty and promotes the creation of American jobs.”

Chairman Leahy: “Our nation’s patent system, provided for in the Constitution, promotes and rewards research and development.  But patent trolling activity casts a pall on the system because it hinders innovation.  Chairman Goodlatte and I are committed to working in a bicameral and bipartisan way to counter patent trolling.  The Discussion Draft released today is an important starting point.  I look forward to hearing constructive comments on it from all interested parties as I prepare legislation in the Senate.  Together, we will improve the system and ensure American retailers and innovating businesses are not impeded by misuse of the patent system.”

A copy of the summary can be found here and a copy of the discussion draft can be found here.