[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 178 (Monday, December 16, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1889]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           THE INNOVATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 16, 2013

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for 
H.R. 3309, the Innovation Act.
  While not perfect, this legislation would take significant steps 
toward reducing the number of costly and abusive patent lawsuits.
  ``Patent trolls,'' or non-practicing entities that take advantage of 
the legal process for their own economic gain, are a massive cost to 
businesses and a significant strain on our already overburdened justice 
system.
  I strongly agree that we should be addressing this critical problem 
especially at a time of continuing economic recovery.
  However, like many, I had serious concerns about specific portions of 
this legislation.
  That is why I voted in strong support of an amendment introduced by 
my dear friend and colleague Congressman John Conyers, the Ranking 
Member of the Judiciary Committee.
  His amendment would have improved the Innovation Act by adding 
provisions that protect customers targeted in infringement suits, 
promote transparency in patent ownership, and direct the Patent and 
Trademark Office to develop educational materials for small businesses.
  Unfortunately, while his amendment failed, I hope we will continue to 
work to implement many of his suggestions.
  As we vote on this legislation today, it is also important that we 
remember other issues affecting our ability to fight patent fraud.
  For example, the sequester cost the Patent and Trademark Office 
nearly $150 million this year. It also resulted in 1000 fewer patent 
examiners and delayed the construction of a satellite patent office in 
Silicon Valley.
  I commend this legislation's well intentioned goal to curb abusive 
patent litigation and look forward to continuing to work with my 
colleagues to end this destructive practice.

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