WASHINGTON, DC – The Innovation Alliance today questioned the process under which changes to the Patent Reform Act are being considered in the Senate, in particular why supposed “compromise” language has yet to be shared with other Senate offices and other stakeholders in the patent community.

“Many Senate offices and stakeholders in the patent community have been anxiously awaiting new language that is supposed to address widespread concerns over the bill. Yet, it is apparent that there is still disagreement on vital sections of the legislation, even among the bill’s co-sponsors,” said Eric Thomas, spokesman for the Innovation Alliance. “If the Senators co-sponsoring the bill are still working out their differences, and 90 percent of Senate offices have been left out of the process, how can a proposal to fundamentally overhaul the U.S. patent system be ready for the Senate floor?”

The Senate is purportedly set to consider the Patent Reform Act as early as next week, yet the most controversial issues – damages, post-grant review, inequitable conduct, venue and applicant quality submissions – have yet to be resolved.

“We fear a bill with serious implications for many sectors of the U.S. economy is now turning into a political football. Our members, as well as many Senate offices and organizations representing manufacturing, small business, agriculture, academia and labor have all attempted in good faith to be part of the process – yet at the 11th hour, we are still in the dark. Transparency and true negotiation are long overdue.”

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