On the recordDecember 5, 2013
I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, while Mr. Rohrabacher and I do not agree on the underlying bill, I do support his amendment. The Innovation Act would repeal section 145, the right of a patent applicant to appeal an initial PTO determination in Federal court. {time} 1145 This is a long-standing provision of law, and while it is rarely used, and even less often successful, I do believe that it poses at least theoretically a hedge against misconduct in the Patent Office and, at a minimum, will help ensure that the PTO's initial determinations are as meticulous as inventors deserve. I spoke in favor of this amendment and voted for it when it was offered in the Judiciary Committee, and I continue to support it. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor.
