APR 15, 2015 | US
BSA Applauds Introduction of Innovation Protection Act
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.).
ABOUT BSA
The Business Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) is the global trade association of the enterprise software industry, representing companies that are leaders in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and other cutting-edge technologies. We work in over 20 markets in the US, Europe, and Asia, advocating for policies that build trust in technology so that every industry sector and the public can benefit from innovation. BSA also supports its members and their customers by raising awareness of the risks of unlicensed software use and the benefits of software asset management, driving license compliance and software adoption around the world through sound IT procurement.