Collins Welcomes Changes to Patent Reform Legislation

Statement

Congressman Doug Collins (GA-09) today welcomed the release of the manager's amendment for H.R. 3309, the Innovation Act. This new text leaves intact Section 18 of the America Invents Act, which created a new transitional post-grant review proceeding for covered business method patents (CBM).

Congressman Collins in recent weeks led, along with Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01), a bipartisan group of committee members in advocating for the Innovation Act to focus on curbing abusive patent litigation, not expand a new program with no track record.

Congressman Collins said, "This is great news for patent reform. I commend Chairman Goodlatte and appreciate his leadership in facilitating an open dialogue with the committee and allowing this change, which reflects the position of a growing, bipartisan group of Members. I look forward to Wednesday's markup and helping the Chairman champion the Innovation Act both in Committee and on the House floor."

Collins added, "Abusive and frivolous patent litigation isn't just a Silicon Valley problem--it's crippling small businesses and startups in my home state of Georgia, and across the nation. Now more than ever, Congress needs to do everything in its power to help job creators, and patent reform is an important step."

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