Innovation Alliance executive director Brian Pomper made the following statement in response to House and Senate passage of an additional $129 million in funding for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

"The Innovation Alliance applauds Congress for approving $129 million in additional funds for the USPTO, a funding boost which we believe will contribute to patent quality at the very beginning of the application process and make a tangible contribution towards creating new jobs and companies. This is an important development in a much needed commitment to give the USPTO the tools it needs to restore depleted resources, become more efficient and reduce a 36-month backlog of patents that are still pending. The Innovation Alliance and other major stakeholder groups have long supported greater funding and additional examiners for the USPTO to enhance the ability of American innovators to obtain patents, boost U.S. manufacturing and increase overall competitiveness."