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SIIA Applauds Introduction of Patent Reform Act of 2009

Posted on: Tuesday, 3 March 2009, 14:03 CST

Hails Bi-Partisan, Bi-Cameral Sponsorship; Calls for Quick Congressional Action to Modernize Patent System

WASHINGTON, March 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), the principal trade association for the software and digital content industries, issued the following statement following today's introduction of patent reform legislation in both the Senate and the House:

"Today's action is a significant step forward for maintaining America's global competitiveness," noted Ken Wasch, SIIA President. "By modernizing the U.S. patent system, Congress can help ensure that U.S. businesses continue to lead the global knowledge-based economy, create jobs here at home, and create certainty during this economic downturn."

"The legislation introduced today with strong bi-partisan, bi-cameral support comes at a key time as our nation struggles to save jobs and invest in our future," stated SIIA Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Mark Bohannon. "The breadth of support for the Patent Reform Act of 2009 -- ranging from technology companies to those in financial services, as well as agriculture and consumers -- indicates a strong desire to build on the years of work that has produced this legislation. SIIA urges prompt consideration by the Committees, and action by the Senate and House soon."

Bohannon continued, "SIIA would especially like to thank Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick J. Leahy, House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr., Senate Judiciary Committee Member and long-time leader on intellectual property issues Orrin G. Hatch, and House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lamar Smith, as well as the strong bi-partisan list of co-sponsors for their steadfast leadership on this critical issue."

SIIA has consistently urged that Congress take a comprehensive approach to patent reform, and strongly supports measures such as the following:

• Clarifying the vague and uncertain rules for calculating damages. Awarding damages that fairly correspond to the value of the infringed patent.
• Establishing fair standards for punitive damages. Awarding punitive, treble damages for "willful" patent infringement should be reserved for cases of egregious conduct that is truly willful, as required by the U.S. Supreme Court for virtually all other punitive damages.
• Restricting forum shopping. Cases should be brought in courts with some reasonable connection to the case without "gaming the system" to find the court with the highest success rate.
• Improving patent quality. The system should promote quality patents and reduce litigation by providing a meaningful second chance for the PTO to review potentially problematic patents in a timely manner, and should promote sharing of information with the PTO to improve the patent examination process and to ensure the issuance of valid patents.

About SIIA

The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industries. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to more than 500 leading software and information companies. For further information, visit www.siia.net.

SOURCE Software & Information Industry Association

Source: PR Newswire

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