Patent trolling is the name given to the practice of buying up patents chiefly to use them for otherwise petty lawsuits against victims – unsuspecting businesses.
In recent years, this miserable practice has increased immesurably. And now something is being done about it.
A bipartisan coalition led by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, is moving forward with the Innovation Act of 2013, the first-of-its-kind bill aimed at stopping patent trolls that may actually succeed in its efforts.
For that reason, many leaders from many industries are coming forward to offer their support for the bill’s passage.
Among those championing the cause is AGA president and CEO Geoff Freeman.
“The AGA applauds House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte’s (R-VA) introduction today of the Innovation Act of 2013,” Freeman said in a written statement.
“This comprehensive legislation, if passed, would greatly limit patent trolls and frivolous patent litigation that negatively impacts U.S. gaming businesses, along with a broad range of other industries, by hindering our ability to innovate and inhibiting economic growth,” he adds. “We look forward to continuing our work with the Big Tent Patent Coalition, Chairman Goodlatte, and the other original bipartisan co-sponsors to ensure America realizes real patent reform in the days ahead.”
A hearing on patent reform will take place next week. At that time, it will be determined when voting on this particular bill will occur.
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