On the recordMarch 1, 2011
I thank all of those with the administration who worked on the matter, and particularly Secretary Locke, Director Kappos of the Patent and Trademark Office, and former Secretary Daley, now Chief of Staff at the White House. The statement describes the bill as representing a fair, balanced, and necessary effort to improve patent quality. It concludes: ``Senate passage of this bill is consistent with the Administration's commitment to support and encourage innovation that leads to improved competitiveness, economic prosperity, and job growth--without adding a penny to the deficit.'' It also notes that transition to a first-to-file system simplifies the process of acquiring rights and describes it as an ``essential provision [to] reduce legal costs, improve fairness, and support U.S. innovators seeking to market their products and services in a global marketplace.'' I agree. I believe it should help small and independent inventors. On President's Day, just over a week ago, the New York Times included an article on its front page entitled ``U.S. Sets 21st-Century Goal: Building a Better Patent Office.'' That is what we are trying to do with our bill, the bipartisan Leahy-Grassley-Hatch Patent Reform Act or, as it has become known, the America Invents Act. We have to reform our patent office and our patent laws. They have not been updated for 60 years. We have to help to create good jobs, encourage innovation, and strengthen our economy.
