Tech companies paid lobbyist $200,000

WASHINGTON

A group of high-tech companies paid Patton Boggs LLP $200,000 in the first half of 2007 to lobby the federal government, according to a recent disclosure form.

Over 60 companies and trade associations, including Microsoft Corp. and Apple Inc., have formed the Coalition for Patent Fairness, which paid Patton Boggs to lobby Congress in support of patent reform legislation, according to the form posted online Aug. 9 by the Senate's public records office.

The companies say the reform proposals will reduce frivolous patent litigation and lead to higher-quality patents. Biotech and pharmaceutical firms, meanwhile, charge that the bills currently before Congress will weaken patent protection.

Adobe Systems Inc., Intel Corp. and Dell Inc. are also members of the coalition.

Under a federal law enacted in 1995, lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches. They must register with Congress within 45 days of being hired or engaging in lobbying.

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