Huffman Votes to Pass Innovation Act and Crack Down on Patent Trolls

Press Release

Last night Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) voted for H.R. 3309, the Innovation Act, a bill that takes steps to combat the problem of abusive patent litigation, known as "patent trolling." The bill passed by the overwhelming bipartisan vote of 325-91.

So-called patent trolls abuse the current patent system by filing numerous patent infringement lawsuits against businesses with the hopes of securing a settlement. Patent trolls have cost the U.S. economy an estimated $29 billion a year and have moved beyond the tech sector to target small businesses including restaurants, supermarkets, realtors, and many "mom & pop" businesses. Many companies, especially small businesses, settle these claims out of court instead of facing a long and costly legal battle.

"Patent trolls threaten our economy and innovation with frivolous and abusive litigation designed to extort money out of businesses," Rep. Huffman said. "The Innovation Act is an important step to increase transparency in patent suits while still providing the structure for legitimate claims to be heard. This bill will benefit America's economy and create jobs. Yet, our work is not done: we should strengthen the discretion given to judges in the fee-shifting provisions of the bill. I voted for the Watt Amendment to protect every inventor's day in court while still discouraging frivolous patent troll lawsuits. I hope a provision like this is included in the final bill signed into law."

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