Political Quotes

“I rise today in favor of the United States Patent and Trademark Fee Modernization Act (H.R. 1561). This legislation is crucial to America maintaining its role as the world leader in innovative technology. Intellectual Property is the currency that drives innovation in America's high-tech economy, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) is charged with granting the important patents and trademarks for these innovations. The PTO serves a critical role in the promotion and development of new products and commercial activity in our country. The PTO is of vital importance to the technology sector of our economy, and it is vital that this agency have proper funding to execute its mission. This legislation will allow the PTO to accomplish this goal--while allowing small business innovators to compete with larger corporations. H.R. 1561 will eliminate patent fee diversion and will ensure that all fees paid to the PTO will be used to expedite the time-consuming and costly procedures associated with granting patents and trademarks. This legislation is the first step toward improving patent and trademark quality while reducing application backlogs. This reform will help eliminate some of the bureaucracy that hinders businesses from success in the marketplace and hinders the advancement of technology in America. I urge final passage of H.R. 1561.”