Cornyn Introduces Bill to Curb Abusive Patent Litigation

Statement

Today, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement upon introducing the Patent Abuse Reduction Act:

"Patents play a critical role in the American tradition of invention and innovation. But abusive patent litigation, led by a growing number of "patent trolls' in search of a quick payday, threatens the innovation patents were created to protect. Patent litigation abuse saddles American innovators and job-creators, from start-ups to our nation's largest employers, with expensive litigation. It directs resources away from the research, development, wages and growth this country so desperately needs. This 21st century problem requires a 21st century solution.

"I have authored the Patent Abuse Reduction Act, which will modernize our patent litigation system and protect innovators unfairly targeted by trolls. This bill would require plaintiffs to disclose the substance of their claim and reveal their identities when they file their lawsuit; allow defendants to hale into court interested parties; bring fairness to the discovery process; and shift responsibility for the cost of litigation to the losing party. These reforms will deter patent litigation abusers without prejudicing the rights of responsible intellectual property holders.

"I want to extend my appreciation to Chairman Leahy for his coordination with me on this matter. I look forward to his continued support for patent reform."

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