IP Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on Supreme Court Decision on Patent Venue Case

Washington, D.C. -- On Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., the Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet Subcommittee will hold a hearing to examine the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in the TC Heartland v. Kraft Foods Group Brands case dealing with the issue of venue for patent litigation. The witnesses for the hearing are:

• Mr. Steven E. Anderson, Vice President & General Counsel, Culver Franchising System, Inc.
• Professor Colleen V. Chien, Santa Clara University School of Law
• Professor Adam Mossoff, Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University
• Mr. John Thorne, Partner, Kellogg, Hansen, Todd, Figel & Frederick, P.L.L.C

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet Subcommittee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) issued the following statements in advance of this hearing. Chairman Goodlatte: “Abusive patent litigation impacts businesses and industries of all types and the jobs of the people who work for them.  The unanimous decision from the Supreme Court in the TC Heartland case is certainly a positive step toward discouraging these frivolous lawsuits. “The TC Heartland decision will help rein in abusive forum shopping, and restore our nation’s patent venue laws to ensure that cases are brought in judicial districts that have a reasonable connection to the dispute.   “Next week’s hearing will be the first opportunity to thoroughly examine the Supreme Court’s decision and its impact upon our patent system.” Subcommittee Chairman Issa: “The TC Heartland decision was a major victory for the integrity of our patent system, but the fight against patent trolls cannot end here. We must remain vigilant to ensure they cannot continue preying on the innovations of American businesses. As a patent holder, I know first-hand the challenges these companies face as they attempt to bring new products to market and want to ensure they cannot continue being taken advantage of. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses and continuing our fight to stand up for American ingenuity.” This hearing will take place in 2141 Rayburn House Office Building and will be webcast live at judiciary.house.gov.  Camera crews wishing to cover must be congressionally credentialed and RSVP with the House Radio-TV Gallery at (202) 225-5214.