James Barcia: “we have listened to members of this house eloquently debate both sides of this issue today and it is apparent that…”

“we have listened to members of this house eloquently debate both sides of this issue today and it is apparent that almost all agree that there are problems with our current patent system. However, we do not agree on how we can correct the problems. There are several points on which we all agree and I believe that we can and should work on perfecting those provisions to improve, not massively alter, our patent system. We agree that we need to prevent submarine patents. We agree on provisional royalty rights for those who are published. Those changes can be made without hurting independent inventors who have been the backbone of this country for 200 years. We do not need to make massive changes to a system that we can fix. Let's address those provisions on which we agree and pass a bill that ends abuse of the system. Let us also continue to provide the independent inventor the opportunity and financial ability to pursue innovative ideas and inventions. Some of my colleagues have suggested, quite correctly, that even under the current system lawsuits and piracy are possible, even prominent. However, this is not an excuse for opening our inventors to more of the same. Compounding injustice will not make our Nation better. Innovation is the cornerstone and strength of our country and we are all committed to protecting the intellectual property rights of inventors and researchers.”