On the recordMarch 1, 2011
I rise to speak in support of the America Invents Act generally and about the managers' amendment specifically. The America Invents Act, also known as the patent reform bill, has been pending for many years and has been the subject of extensive debate, negotiation, and revisions. In its current draft, it does much needed good to help protect the American innovation economy by updating and modernizing our patent system. The patent system in the United States is designed to protect innovation and inventions and investment. But over the last several decades, the Patent and Trademark Office has become bogged down and overburdened by inefficient process and outdated law. The result is a heavy burden on the innovative work that is the engine of our economy. I wish to commend Senator Leahy. He has gone the extra mile for this bill for many years. I am proud and glad he is seeing his work come to fruition as we finally debate the bill on the floor. Passage of the bill is in sight.
