University Associations Express Support for Bipartisan STRONGER Patents Act

Washington, DC – The Association of Public and Land-grant University, Association of American Universities, Association of American Medical Colleges, Association of University Technology Managers, and Council on Governmental Relations today released the following statement regarding the introduction of the bipartisan STRONGER Patents Act in the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives.

“We thank Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Representatives Steve Stivers (R-OH) and Bill Foster (D-IL) for introducing the STRONGER Patents Act. This bipartisan, bicameral, and balanced legislation, introduced on July 10, is intended to stem abuses of the U.S. patent system while taking important steps to improve it. Universities and academic medical centers rely on robust, enforceable patents to ensure their research discoveries will be developed into products and innovative techniques that improve quality of life and fuel economic growth. This bill would protect and help ensure the success of this technology transfer process, which contributes significantly to our nation’s leadership in science and technology. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress, as well as with USPTO Director Andrei Iancu, toward our shared goals of reinforcing the strength of the U.S. patent system.”