Unions and Businesses Form Coalitions to Oppose U.S. Patent Reform Act of 2007

Fourteen unions and more than 485 businesses and organizations expressed concerns about provisions in the proposed Patent Reform Act of 2007 (S. 1145). In a letter dated February 6, 2008 and sent to every member of the United States Senate, the union coalition warned Senators that the legislation, which may hit the Senate floor soon, could "undermine the competitiveness of U.S. industry" and put millions of workers' jobs at risk. Enacting S. 1145 would further weaken the state of the American economy.

According to the union coalition members, during the last seven years, about three million manufacturing jobs have disappeared and wages have decreased or held stagnant. They believe that if the Patent Reform Act is 2007 is enacted in its present form, it could allow international competitors to steal American inventions and as a result, reduce sorely needed investments in domestic manufacturing.

The economy is the main focus of Americans as the country moves through the 2008 presidential election campaigns. In top news announced on the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office web site, the Bush Administration also opposes the current provisions of the Patent Reform Act of 2007. The Bush Administration agrees that S. 1145 would hurt the U. S. intellectual property protection system and changes should be made that better reflect all innovators and business models. The Bush Administration expressed their intent to work with Congress to enact patent reform legislation that will encourage innovation in all sectors of the economy.

The union coalition and organizations against S. 1145 agree that changes are needed to the U.S. Patent System, as does the Patent Office Professional Association (POPA), that represents over 5800 patent examiners, classifiers and other patent professionals. However, it is also agreed that S. 1145 would weaken the U.S. Patent System that has protected American inventors and made America the world leader for innovation. Innovation and strong international trade produces jobs and grows economies. Provisions in S. 1145 would only provide incentives for American manufacturers to license their technology for overseas production. America cannot withstand another deficit to its international trade position and sagging economy.

The U.S. Patent System has long been considered the strongest protectors of intellectual properties in the world. In meetings with Congressional staff, POPA executives addressed specific concerns about provisions that would:

transfer patent searches from patent examiners to patent applicants.

* lessen the penalties for inequitable conduct.

* lessen damages in patent infringement cases.

* provide for rule making authority to set new fees.

* eliminate the Best Mode requirement.

* change patent rights to a first-inventor-to-file system.

The fourteen unions joined in the coalition against the Patent Reform Act of 2007 are:

* Building & Construction Trades Department (BCTD), AFL-CIO

* Communications Workers of America (CWA)

* Department for Professional Employees (DPE), AFL-CIO

* International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM)

* International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers & Helpers (IBB)

* International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT)

* International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE)

* International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT)

* Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA)

* Metal Trades Department, AFL-CIO

* Patent Office Professional Association (POPA)

* United Association of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters (UA)

* UNITE HERE

* United Steelworkers (USW)

Sources:

U. S. Patent and Trademark Office News Release
http://www.uspto.gov/

Union Letter to Members of United States Senate
http://www.popa.org/pdf/misc/reform1-06feb2008.pdf

Innovative Alliance Ad
http://www.popa.org/pdf/misc/reform2-06feb2008.pdf

POPA News Briefs
http://www.popa.org/html/issues/patentreform.htm#07sep2007