BIO’s Statement on the Confirmation of Andrei Iancu to Lead the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Washington, D.C. (February 5, 2018) – The following statement may be attributed to BIO President & CEO James Greenwood:

“I congratulate Andrei Iancu on his Senate confirmation to fill the position of Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO).

“The position of PTO Director is extraordinarily important, as it oversees a federal agency that is an indispensable element of the continued economic growth and innovation of American enterprise.

“Strong and reliable patents are the lifeblood of the biotechnology industry. They are critical in ensuring a steady stream of capital to biotechnology companies developing innovative medicines and more sustainable, bio-based energy and agricultural products. And they are essential to the technology transfer process that leads from inventions in the lab to products on the shelves. 

“I look forward to engaging with Director Iancu and his staff as BIO continues to push for balanced reforms to curb abusive anti-patent practices, protect the ability of patent owners to defend their inventions and businesses against infringement, and promote greater predictability and certainty of patent rights as a basis for investment in innovation.”