Scott Brown’s recent Senate victory sent shockwaves well beyond the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It ended the Democrats’ filibuster proof
majority, and makes broad efforts at reform a challenge.
As we’ve noted repeatedly, President Obama has provided a welcome
commitment to reforming the patent system. If Democrats are no longer
able to push proposals through the Senate, how will this affect patent
reform? IP Watchdog’s Gene Quinn recently
chimed in with his opinion.
In particular, he said this will likely make Congress focus on issues
where there is broad consensus like more funding for the Patent Office
and skip those that are controversial such as the broader reform bill.
Do you agree that the odds of patent reform in 2010 have diminished
with Brown’s ascension to the Senate? If healthcare becomes a no-go,
could the Democrats turn to patent reform as an issue where they can
garner bi-partisan support? Our two cents: the latter is likely true.
Although previous patent reform efforts haven’t crossed the finish
line, there has been bi-partisan, bicameral support for significant
reform.
We simply cannot place patent reform on the back burner. The need for
patent reform is unquestionable. We must rebalance, strengthen and
enhance the current patent system to drive cutting-edge innovation that
in turn drives our knowledge-based economy. At a time when our economy
continues to struggle, partisan battles should not stand in the way of
changes that will spur economic growth, investment, job creation,
technological progress and innovation.
