Ahead of the bill drop, groups formed by industry stakeholders to try to influence the patent debate said they have high hopes that President Barack Obama's new pick for Commerce secretary -- former Washington Gov. Gary Locke -- will be involved in the issue. On Thursday, the Innovation Alliance, which represents high-tech firms that do not want sweeping changes to the patent regime, lauded Locke's record of "working to help create an environment in the state of Washington that has nurtured the development of many small innovative companies."

The Coalition for Patent Fairness, which has championed Leahy's legislation, said Wednesday that Locke "understands the need to encourage innovation in order to create jobs and grow the U.S. economy" and his work as governor "shows that he understands the need for a strong patent system." The Coalition for 21st Century Patent Reform, which has called for more limited modifications to the system said Locke's leadership "will enhance the ability of the PTO to stimulate the innovation and manufacturing that will be instrumental to our nation¹s economic recovery."