[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 51 (Thursday, March 26, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E445-E446]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  225TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PATENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 26, 2015

  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, on April 10, 2015 the U.S. Patent and 
Trademark Office will recognize the 225th anniversary of the first U.S. 
Patent Act.
  When President Washington signed the bill that laid the foundation 
for our patent system, even he could not have foreseen the revolution 
in technology that was yet to come. During these past two centuries 
America has been at the forefront of innovation, from the industrial 
revolution to the telegraph and telephone, to modern computers and the 
Internet, to a whole new era of mobile computing and personal devices.

[[Page E446]]

  American inventors have led the world for centuries in new 
innovations, from Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Edison to the Wright 
brothers and Henry Ford. But if we want to continue as leaders in the 
global economy, we must continue to encourage the innovators of today 
to develop the technologies of tomorrow.
  The fuel that powers the innovative engine that is America is its 
people. But the rules of the road require regular adjustment, and 
during the last two hundred years we have seen our patent laws updated 
and modernized. The most significant reforms took place in 1836, 1952 
and most recently in 2011 with the America Invents Act.
  Currently, we are continuing these efforts by addressing specific 
issues concerning abusive patent litigation with the Innovation Act 
(H.R. 9). This bill puts forward reasonable policies that allow for 
more transparency and brings fundamental fairness into the patent 
system and the courts. This bill holds true to the Constitution, our 
Founders and our promise to future generations that America will 
continue to lead the world as a fountain for discovery, innovation and 
economic growth.
  So, on this 225th anniversary of the first U.S. Patent Act, America 
continues to be committed to lead the world in innovation and 
creativity.

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