[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCING H.R. 615, THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS 
                              ACT OF 2000

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                           HON. HOWARD COBLE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 14, 2001

  Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce, H.R. 615, ``The 
Intellectual Property Technical Amendments of 2001.'' As my colleagues 
know, the success of our economy and quality of modern life can be 
directly attributed to the innovation and genius of our patent and 
trademark system whether, it be in the fields of computers, media, 
aerospace, or bio-technology.
  In 1999, Congress successfully passed landmark legislation to 
modernize our patent system and transform the Patent and Trademark 
Office (PTO) into a more autonomous and efficient agency. This 
legislation--the ``American Inventors Protection Act''--was the most 
significant reform of its type in a generation, and it represented five 
years of hard work by a large, diverse group of Members, Administration 
officials, inventors, union representatives, and businesses.
  At the same time, the Act contained a small number of clerical and 
other technical drafting errors. Today, I offer the opportunity for my 
colleagues to work with me to remedy these errors within this bill. In 
addition, this bill makes a small number of other non-controversial 
changes requested by the PTO. For example, it changes the title of the 
chief officer of the PTO from ``Director'' to ``Commissioner.'' It also 
clarifies some of the agency's administrative duties and the 
protections for the independent inventor community.
  This bill represents the progress made last session when the House 
was able to pass it (H.R. 4870) by a unanimous voice vote under 
suspension of the rules. The bill is being reintroduced in virtually 
the identical form as passed last year in order to expedite these 
house-keeping processes. Additional changes requested by others have 
been placed on the back burner for the present, since these revisions 
still require further review. Rest assured, there will be opportunities 
during the rest of the session for continued legislative oversight and 
innovation in these areas.
  I urge all Members to support this innovation-friendly legislation.

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