BIO Encourages Congress to Improve Patent System

WASHINGTON, DC (March 3, 2009) – Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) President and CEO Jim Greenwood issued the following statement today regarding the introduction of patent reform legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate:

“BIO continues to 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). 
 
“While BIO continues to have concerns with some of the specific language in the bills introduced today, we understand that today’s introductions are just the beginning of the legislative process.  We look forward to working in good faith with the Chairmen, other Senators and Representatives, and other stakeholders to achieve positive, meaningful, and consensus-oriented reforms to the patent system – reforms that will further enhance patent quality and spur innovation and economic growth here at home.

“We share President Obama’s goal of investing in the innovation economy to help fuel our nation’s economic recovery. The nation’s strong patent system has enabled us to be a world leader on innovation.  Weakening intellectual property protection would jeopardize this leadership. Changes to the patent system require careful consideration and debate, particularly in the current economic environment.  We are eager to play a constructive role in this regard."

Upcoming BIO Events  

BIO-Europe Spring
March 16-18, 2009
Milan, Italy

BIO IP Counsels' Committee Conference
March 25–27, 2009
Phoenix, AZ

BIO National Venture Conference
March 31–April 1,2009
Boston, MA

BIO Windhover 2009
April 13-15, 2009
New York, NY

BIO-LES Business Development Basics Course
May 15–17, 2009
Atlanta, GA  

BIO-LES Advanced Business Development Course
May 15–17, 2009
Atlanta, GA 

BIO Executive Presentation Workshop
May 17, 2009
Atlanta, GA

BIO Human Resources Conference
May 17-19, 2009
Atlanta, GA

2009 BIO International Convention
May 18-21, 2009
Atlanta, Ga.

BioEquity Europe
June 9-10, 2009
Munich, Germany

World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioprocessing
July 19-22, 2009
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,200 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.

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