Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Conyers-Watt substitute amendment. I must say that this has been a very spirited debate here today, but I would be remiss not to come back to speak on the issue of an inventor such as Danny Ross, a venture capitalist and an example of the type of person that this bill should protect. Danny cofounded a tech company down in Atlanta that employed more than 100 people and reached more than half the Internet audience at its peak. He owns several patents based on great inventions and has got a start-up. He had the Patent Office review and affirm these patents. But not only were these strong patents, they were also sought after by several companies. Rather than pay Danny for his innovation and hard work, these companies refused to license his patent. This practice is common for large companies that would rather bully someone in court than license their patents. We are an innovation economy. The drive to create and tinker is what motivates Americans to innovate. Those innovations should be rewarded, and those innovators should be rewarded for their labor and contribution to society. That is the whole point of the patent system; but if this bill becomes law, patent owners and inventors will be unable to enforce their patents without risking personal bankruptcy. I have long supported reform and am a friend of the innovation economy, but today I call on my colleagues to support this amendment.”