U.S. Chamber Releases Recommendations for U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Reform
Report Outlines Ways Incoming Administration Can Spur Innovation Economy
WASHINGTON, DC—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) today released its U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recommendations to President-elect Barack Obama, highlighting needed reforms to modernize the federal agency’s patent arm.
“The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is an important part of America’s innovation infrastructure,” said Brad Huther, senior advisor of the U.S. Chamber’s GIPC. “With our economy in crisis, America needs a world class patent office that effectively serves the innovators who are turning ideas into full fledged inventions, creating jobs and meeting the public’s needs.”
“Recommendations for Consideration by the Incoming Administration Regarding the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office” offers a blueprint for modernizing and fostering a more efficient patent office. Addressing 11 key areas, it features suggestions to improve the quality of patents, patent examiner retention, the current fee structure, and the office’s relationship with the user community, among other reforms.
The report was sponsored by the Chamber’s GIPC and features contributions from respected leaders of the patent community, including former USPTO officials. The full report is available at www.theglobalipcenter.com.
“By reforming the USPTO, President-elect Obama can help support workers in America’s innovative industries and unleash a new era of IP-driven job creation and economic growth,” Huther said.
America’s IP-intensive industries employ nearly 18 million workers, account for more than $5 trillion of the U.S. GDP, and represent 40% of U.S. economic growth. In 2006, U.S. patents accounted for one fourth of all patents granted worldwide.
The Chamber’s Global Intellectual Property Center is working around the world to champion IP as vital to creating jobs, saving lives, advancing global economic growth and generating breakthrough solutions to global challenges.
The U.S. Chamber is the world’s largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.
