DeGette Statement On Passage Of The Innovation Act

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01), ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations (O&I), issued the following statement regarding her vote in favor of H.R. 3309 Innovation Act:

"Abusive and frivolous patent litigation has become a serious problem for countless businesses throughout the country. O&I's recent hearing revealed some of the more outrageous practices of the so-called patent trolls responsible for this litigation. Our hearing made it abundantly clear that Congressional action is needed to protect businesses held hostage through flagrant abuse of the patent system.

"Innovation remains the cornerstone of the American economy and the legislation passed in the House today will help protect this source of economic strength. Congress must be careful to allow patent owners to protect their intellectual property and enforce their legitimate claims. That is why I also supported the alternative amendment offered by House Democrats today. The amendment would have removed overly broad provisions related to fee shifting and heightened pleading requirements, claim construction, and limitations that could make enforcement difficult. These provisions would also deny judges the discretion they need to effectively manage patent cases.

"Although I was disappointed the alternative amendment failed, I still voted in favor of the underlying bill to advance the legislation to the Senate, and now will work with my colleagues in the other Chamber to remove the problematic provisions of the House-passed bill. Today's strong vote in the House will send a signal to the Senate to quickly advance their patent reform bill and address abusive litigation that jeopardizes innovation.

"I look forward to the Innovation Act continuing to improve as it moves through the legislative process and will carefully consider any conference report produced through House and Senate negotiations."