[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1926]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       PATENT REFORM ACT OF 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. RUSS CARNAHAN

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 7, 2007

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1908) to 
     amend title 35, United States Code, to provide for patent 
     reform:

  Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Chairman, for purposes of the record, I would like 
to register my opposition to H.R. 1908, the Patent Reform Act of 2007.
  I would like the record to further reflect that while I do support 
comprehensive patent reform, I cannot support legislation that so 
dramatically picks winners and losers.
  My opposition to H.R. 1908, the Patent Reform Act of 2007, stems from 
concerns raised that this legislation could actually undermine the 
value of patents, as well as innovative work conducted by universities, 
biotech facilities, and other companies.
  Many Missourians understand that research could be impeded by the 
passage of this bill.
  Indeed, a growing number of researchers and businesses agree that 
greater protections need to be put in place, but not in a way that 
risks existing patents or denies access for judicial relief.
  A strict one size fits all approach to this problem creates more 
problems than it cures, and puts companies in certain industries at an 
unfair disadvantage.
  I hope that as this bill moves through the legislative process, the 
disadvantages placed on certain industries are remedied, and that we 
have a patent reform bill that protects all U.S. businesses.

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