He noted he has been working with Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl and other leaders from both parties to help make that happen. Leahy said last month that he wants to work with Majority Leader Harry Reid to schedule, before the end of the year, floor debate on legislation that would overhaul the U.S. patent system. The Obama administration has thrown its support behind the bill. Patent and Trademark Office Director David Kappos recently told a group of IP attorneys that a legislative fix is needed immediately.

A dozen senators, including Sens. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., Tom Coburn, R-Okla., and Senate Finance ranking member Charles Grassley, sent a letter to Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell stating the bill needs more work before it is brought to the floor. Judiciary ranking member Jeff Sessions and Kyl have questioned the bill's approach to challenging a patent after it is granted.