[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 51 (Thursday, March 26, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          THE 225TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PATENT ACT CELEBRATION

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                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 26, 2015

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, on April 10th we celebrate the 225th 
anniversary of President George Washington signing into law the Patent 
Act of 1790. We honor the wisdom of our founding fathers in creating 
the first patent system to recognize by law the inherent right of an 
inventor to have protection over their inventions and innovations. Our 
Constitution grants Congress the power ``to promote the progress of 
science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and 
inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and 
discoveries.'' With the creation of the Patent Act came the ability for 
Americans to be rightfully credited for the use of their talents to 
progress our nation.
  The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued over nine 
million patents. These patents demonstrate the creativity and foresight 
of the American people and their outstanding contributions enhance 
lives worldwide. We celebrate the first Patent Act, and salute the men 
and women who have promoted the progress of science and arts to make 
America a technological, economic, and cultural leader among nations.
  I applaud the Patent and Trademark Office for its continued efforts 
to encourage innovation and strengthen the nation's competitiveness in 
the global economy. We must recognize the critical importance of 
intellectual property. It is critical that Congress continues to 
acknowledge the need for effective patents, trademarks, and copyrights 
while upholding the vision of our Nation's founders. Today, I urge my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing the Patent and Trademark Office--
the model for managing patent systems around the world--for its 
stewardship of the patent system and for inspiring independent 
inventors, entrepreneurs, and small businesses to be innovators.

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