Hatch Calls For Patent Office Changes
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, on Wednesday called for Congress to "act in the best interest of the economy" and Patent Trademark Office users by permanently ending fee diversion at the agency. Such a change would let the PTO set fees and recover costs, which Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and PTO Director David Kappos have said would better address the agency's operational funding needs in a time of economic uncertainty.
Hatch's remarks came at a ceremony recognizing the PTO's grant of the 600,000th design patent to Goal Zero, a subsidiary of Provo Craft and Novelty, and a small business located in his home state. The patent was issued for the design of a battery system, which works in conjunction with a solar briefcase that recharges in the sun.
Lawmakers should improve the quality of patents at the front end so as to avoid costly and counterproductive litigation that stifles innovation at the back end, Hatch added. "Improving patent quality and reducing litigation uncertainty are the central tenets of the bipartisan congressional mandate for patent reform," he said, arguing that consensus is possible "but it will take willing partners from within Congress, the administration, and the patent community."
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