Cornyn Responds to White House Patent Reform Proposal

Press Release

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), who recently introduced The Patent Abuse Reduction Act, responded to President Obama's patent reform proposals today:

"I've heard from entrepreneurs and businesses across Texas that the reforms in my bill are desperately needed to foster innovation and growth.

"I am pleased that President Obama is joining this important conversation, and I look forward to working on solutions that allow Texans to overcome the burdens they face from patent litigation abuse."

Background on the Patent Abuse Reduction Act

Abusive patent litigation, exemplified by a growing number of "patent trolls," 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 research, development, wages and economic growth.

The Patent Abuse Reduction Act will modernize patent litigation and protect innovators unfairly targeted by abusive patent litigation. The bill would require plaintiffs to disclose the substance of their claims 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.

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