American Gaming Association Vice President of Government Relations Whit Askew recently came forward to offer words of support and encouragement on an issue of vital importance to the gaming industry.
Askew stepped up to the mic last week in a show of solidarity with House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte who has just introduced important patent reform legislation.
“We welcome Chairman Goodlatte’s introduction of the Innovation Act, legislation that will help reduce frivolous and costly patent litigation asserted by patent trolls,” Askew said in a written statement.
“Gaming is an innovative, $240 billion industry that supports 1.7 million U.S. jobs,” he adds. “The introduction of this legislation marks an important first step to reining in practices that hinder innovation, job creation and economic growth in gaming and other industries. Just as we did on vital terrorism risk insurance legislation, the AGA is partnering with a wide variety of industries to work with Chairman Goodlatte and his congressional colleagues to pass meaningful legislation to curb predatory patent trolls.”
Although ismilar efforts have been introduced in Congress previously, it is now believed that there’s an exceptional chance of this legislation passing.
“Patent trolls have no business beyond acquiring patents and suing other companies, knowing that many will pay a settlement rather than pay the $1 million or more it can cost to fight a patent through trial,” says Megan Geuss of Arstechnica in her coverage of the proposed legislation.
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