Thank you for contacting me with your concerns about patent reform. I appreciate hearing from you. Congress is currently considering changes to our nation's patent laws. In April 2007, Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont introduced the Patent Reform Act. The measure was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which held hearings on patent reform in June 2007 and approved the measure the next month. Many of the members of the Judiciary Committee voted in favor of the bill with the understanding that further changes would be necessary before it could be debated on the Senate floor.

Patent reform raises a number of important and complex policy considerations. As our country continues its move toward a knowledge-based economy, we must have a patent system that effectively promotes and protects new innovations. Congress must consider the views of all stakeholders in the patent system and attempt to achieve as much consensus as possible when contemplating changes to our patent laws. I will keep your thoughts in mind as Congress continues to consider patent reform. Thank you again for contacting me. Please feel free to keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Durbin

United States Senator RJD/tf

Go PTSC Onwards and Upwards!

Cheers~