Dear Mr.:

Thank you for contacting me to express your opposition to H.R. 2795, the Patent Act. I appreciate hearing from you on this important matter.

Like you, I believe it is essential that our nation continue to have a system of patent laws that both effectively stimulate innovation and protect concepts formed by innovators from illegal duplication. It is clear, though, that we need to initiate reform measures that ensure the continued success of our patent system, and to meet the new challenges posed by intellectual property.

As you know, H.R. 2795 would enact a number of reforms that limit the frivolous expenses and complexity of patent litigation, harmonize U.S. patent law with the laws of our leading trading partners, prevent abuses by patent speculators, and protect the special needs of individual inventors and small firms.

A major provision of this legislation would change current law to allow the right of patent royalties to be awarded to the first-inventor-to-file who provides an adequate disclosure for a claimed invention. Proponents argue that the current system based on the construct of first-to-invent leads to uncertain and expensive patent disputes, and is at odds with international first-to-file standards in Europe, Japan , and our other leading trading partners. Opponents assert, however, that rewarding the first-to-file rather than first-to-invent will unfairly benefit large corporations who have more resources to quickly file the necessary paperwork to the US Patent Office.

Currently, H.R. 2795 is being considered by the House Committee on the Judiciary. I am not a member of this committee. As a result, I will only be able to vote on this legislation if it passes committee and comes to the floor of the House for consideration. In addition, many times bills are significantly amended in the committee process to add or remove key provisions. Because of these uncertainties, I cannot make a firm commitment for or against H.R. 2795 at this time, but please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind if and when this vote occurs.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. Having the benefit of your views is important, and I appreciate you sharing them with me.

I remain respectfully yours,

JOHN CAMPBELL
Member of Congress