On the recordMarch 8, 2011
I wish to applaud the work of Judiciary Committee Chairman Leahy and Ranking Member Grassley for working so hard to bring this complex, bipartisan legislation to the Senate floor. As we work to rebuild our economy, get Americans back to work, and win the global economic race, we should all appreciate this effort to spur innovation and create jobs. Patent reform is an important issue for Colorado's economy and, of course, our national economy. High-tech innovators represent over 12,000 jobs in Colorado, and they are an important part of our economic recovery. In addition, Colorado has a vibrant biotech, clean energy, and aerospace set of industries. That is why I believe getting patent reform right and achieving consensus on provisions such as inter partes reexamination is so important. Inter partes reexamines a proceeding at the Patent Office that allows for the validity of a patent to be challenged in an administrative proceeding.
