WASHINGTON, DC — April 16, 2015 —

BSA | The Software Alliance today praised introduction of the Innovation Protection Act (H.R. 1832). The bill provides permanent funding for the US Patent and Trademark Office and gives the agency autonomy over the fees it collects.

“A well-functioning Patent and Trademark Office is a key driver for our innovation economy,” said BSA President & CEO Victoria Espinel. “Ensuring the PTO has a steady stream of self-generated revenue will better position the agency as it continues to implement practices to strengthen the patent system, increase patent quality and protect innovation. We commend Ranking Member Conyers, Congressman Nadler, and all their cosponsors for their continued leadership on this important piece of legislation. We look forward to working with them to advance it through Congress.”

The legislation has garnered bipartisan cosponsors, including Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers (D-Mich.) and Reps. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), Trent Franks (R-Ariz), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Ted Deutch (D-Fla.), Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.) and Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).