[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 113 (Thursday, July 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS 
                               ACT, 2010

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                               speech of

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 28, 2010

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support, H.R. 5874. The purpose 
of H.R. 5874 is simple: it would allow the USPTO to access more of the 
fees that it will collect in FY2010.
  This year, the United States Patent and Trademark Office, also known 
as the USPTO, is expected to collect more in user fees than they are 
permitted to retain. As everyone in the patent community is aware, I, 
with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, have worked to ensure 
that the USPTO has the resources it needs. Part of that equation is for 
the USPTO to retain the user fees that they collect from patent and 
trademark applicants.
  While not perfect, H.R. 5874 significantly moves the United States 
Patent and Trademark Office in the right direction by enabling the 
USPTO to continue the progress they have made already in reducing the 
backlog and shortening pendency.
  I would have liked to see the President requested buffer of $150 
million also included in this legislation because that is the only way 
to ensure that ALL user fees collected in FY2010 will be retained; 
however, H.R. 5874 is a big step forward and is undeniably better than 
the current situation.
  I thank the Appropriators for working with us on this Presidential 
request and for honoring the spirit of the gentlemen's agreement.
  I urge my colleagues to join IPO, AIPLA, ABA IP Section, ACT, the 
Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association, the National Association 
of Manufacturers, the National Treasury Employees Union, and the U.S. 
Chamber of Commerce, among others, and support this important 
legislation.

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