Lamar Smith: “I yield myself the balance of the time. Madam Chair, in closing, I want to thank the patent principles who devoted so…”

“I yield myself the balance of the time. Madam Chair, in closing, I want to thank the patent principles who devoted so much time, energy and intellect to this project. We've worked together for the common goal of comprehensive patent reform for the better part of 6 years. While some of us still have differences over individual items, I want these Members to know that I appreciate their contributions to the project. This includes, among many others, Mr. Goodlatte, Mr. Watt, Mr. Issa, and Mr. Berman. In the Senate we've worked closely with Senators Leahy, Grassley, Kyl, Hatch and others; and I want to thank them as well. Also, we would not be at this point tonight without the support of Commerce Secretary Locke and PTO Director Kappos. Our country needs this bill. We can't thrive in the 21st century using a 20th-century patent system. At a time when the economy remains fragile and unemployment is unacceptably high, we must include the patent system and the PTO, an agency that has been called an essential driver of a pro-growth job-creating agenda. This bill will catapult us into a new era of innovation and enhanced consumer choice. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1249.”