Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 5108 is legislation designed to enhance the education of law students interested in practicing patent and trademark law while simultaneously helping small businesses, inventors, and entrepreneurs secure patents and trademarks. I am pleased to partner with my distinguished Judiciary Committee colleague, Representative Chabot, and am thankful for his support and leadership as well as for the support of Chairman Goodlatte and Ranking Member Conyers on this meaningful, bipartisan legislation. This bill will permanently establish the Law School Clinic Certification Program at the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Currently this program exists only in pilot form; however, it has already helped budding intellectual property law students and attorneys and the innovation sector throughout the country. The pilot program began in 2008 with only six law schools. Over time it grew to approximately 45 schools. To date more than 1,400 law students have participated in this program. Since the pilot began, law students under the supervision of a skilled and experienced faculty adviser have submitted 220 patent applications and approximately 650 trademark applications for clients on a pro bono basis. Establishing this program in law will both ensure its continuation and permit law schools throughout the country that meet the PTO's qualifications to participate. Intellectual property, of course, is a highly technical field.…”