Manny Schecter writes on patent quality

From TheHill by Manny Schecter:

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A strong patent system, supported by quality patents, also boosts American competitiveness. The U.S. must set the standard for patent quality to ensure other countries both respect U.S. patents and seek to raise quality themselves. Maintaining high quality patents also helps U.S. companies to invest in innovation, enabling them to compete in the world marketplace.

With concern over the quality of patents raised in the patent reform and patent litigation discussion, it is imperative that the U.S. demonstrate its commitment to patent quality. The USPTO is doing just that with its current patent quality proposals. The proposals will seed brainstorming in important areas such as improving quality metrics, enhancing examiner/applicant communication, and harnessing innovation to enhance patent examination.

Robust patent examination improves the efficiency of the patent system by addressing issues early in the patent lifecycle. Early action to address poor quality applications avoids unnecessary design around or other defensive measures by businesses as they attempt to develop and commercialize products and services.

Amidst ongoing debate about the patent system we must not forget the critical role patents play in promoting and protecting the business of innovators. We commend the USPTO for its willingness to explore new ideas, evaluate the use of new technologies, and consider community feedback that can improve the quality of patents, strengthen our patent system, and ensure that it remains at the forefront of the global IP system.



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