WASHINGTON – May 22, 2017 – BSA | The Software Alliance applauds the US Supreme Court’s decision today on the TC Heartland LLC v. Kraft Food Brands Group LLC case. The Court’s opinion will reduce forum shopping in patent litigation.

Earlier this year, BSA filed an amicus brief in support of TC Heartland urging the Supreme Court to reverse a Federal Circuit’s holding that enabled patent case plaintiffs to file lawsuits in judicial districts other than where the defendant is incorporated. BSA argued that “[p]atent plaintiffs flock to magnet jurisdictions because they perceive a strategic advantage… Limiting undue forum shopping is necessary to eliminate the perception that patent litigants can alter the result of litigation through choice of venue.”

“BSA supports a balanced approach to patent litigation,” said Aaron Cooper, Vice President for Global Policy at BSA | The Software Alliance. “Today’s opinion from the Supreme Court is an important step in restoring balance in litigation and confidence in the patent system.”