Griffin's Provision in Patent Reform Bill Supports Job Creation, Helps Small Businesses, Encourages American Innovation

Statement

Congressman Tim Griffin (AR-02) released the following statement after the House Committee on the Judiciary approved a patent reform bill containing his provision that supports job creation, helps small businesses, and encourages American innovation. Griffin's provision in H.R. 1249, the America Invests Act, was part of a larger package agreed to by the full committee today. The bill received bipartisan support and passed out of committee 32-3.

"This is great news for Arkansas's small business inventors working hard to create jobs. The process of obtaining a patent can be daunting and has the potential to discourage American innovation. My provision will ensure that small businesses have an advocate through this sometimes complicated and burdensome process. I am pleased that my colleagues joined me in supporting this provision that benefits small businesses."

House Judiciary Chairman Lamar Smith (TX-21) recognized Griffin's leadership in making the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) more accessible:

"We have also included, at Mr. Griffin's suggestion, a provision that makes the Small Business Ombudsman at the PTO permanent. That means that small business will always have a champion at the PTO looking out for their interests and helping them as they secure patents for their inventions," Smith said.

The PTO created a temporary program in 2010 designed to make the process of obtaining a patent more efficient by offering consultations to inventors who believe they have hit a dead end. PTO Director David Kappos has described the program as a new and innovative way for the PTO to improve customer service with patent applicants and their representatives. Under current law, this trial program ended on April 7, 2011. Griffin's provision makes this program permanent using existing funds.

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