WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Internet Association released the following statement applauding the introduction of The STOP Act:
The Internet Association applauds Reps. Darrell Issa (CA-49) and Judy Chu (CA-27) today for introducing The STOP Act (H.R. 2766). Their bill will expand and make permanent the PTO’s review program for business method patents. Internet business method patents are litigated nine times more often than other patents and most of these lawsuits are thrown out of court. Many of these patents are vague and overly broad, claiming ownership of basic everyday actions performed online. Unfortunately, these patents cannot be challenged in existing PTO proceedings. Thus, Internet companies are often forced to settle cases rather than pay the extraordinary cost necessary to invalidate deeply flawed patents in a court proceeding.
By broadening the PTO’s review program to cover Internet business method patents, The STOP Act will provide an effective alternative to litigation in many cases. Although more needs to be done to curb abusive patent litigation, this bill will improve overall patent quality and encourage a patent system that focuses on innovation rather than litigation.
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