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BIO Expresses Disappointment with House Vote on Patent Reform

Notes Strong, Bipartisan Opposition in the House, Will Continue to Work with the Senate to Achieve Meaningful Improvements to the U.S. Patent System

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 7, 2007) – The following statement was issued by Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), regarding the vote today by the U.S. House of Representatives on the passage of the Patent Reform Act of 2007 (H.R. 1908):

“BIO appreciates the continued efforts by the House to improve the Patent Reform Act, but unfortunately cannot support the legislation passed today as it threatens continued biotechnological innovation.  We welcome improvements to the U.S. patent system, particularly those that increase patent quality, increase public participation, and provide additional resources to the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO).  However, the legislation that passed the House today and the legislation currently pending in the Senate do far more harm than good to our nation’s patent system.

“While we are disappointed that the legislation passed the House, we were heartened that it did so narrowly and that there was strong bipartisan opposition to the bill.  This opposition demonstrates the serious concern of varied stakeholders -- across many industries, research institutions and other interests -- with the bill and the need for a more consensus-oriented approach to patent law reform.

“We look forward to working with the Senate to improve upon this legislation, particularly with respect to provisions relating to damages, inequitable conduct reform, post-grant review proceedings and PTO rulemaking authority.”