ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The following statement is attributable to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®, in response to today’s House vote on H.R. 3309, the Innovation Act:
“Today Congress worked in bipartisan fashion to do the right thing and secure America's economic future. Patent trolling is garden-variety extortion by another name, and we are one step closer to shutting it down. I applaud today’s vote to end frivolous patent litigation that is suppressing innovation, stifling economic growth and costing Americans tens of billions of dollars. We commend Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and original co-sponsors Reps. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), Howard Coble (R-N.C.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Lamar Smith (R-Texas), Anna Eshoo (D- Calif.), Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.), Tom Marino (R-Pa.), Blake Farenthold (R-Texas), and George Holding (R-N.C) for their leadership and steadfast support of this important legislation.
“The Innovation Act will greatly reduce the epidemic of patent lawsuit abuse afflicting the U.S. economy and provide particular relief for small businesses, the primary victims of patent trolls, who lack the resources to fight back in court. This legislation will crack down on those who abuse patent law, without impinging on legitimate companies and patents. Democrats and Republicans agree that there is no reason to reward those who make no useful products or services, but make money by extorting innovators and job-creators.
“The Innovation Act is the most important technology vote of 2013. As a top legislative priority for our more than 2,000 member companies and for its vital importance to our nation’s economy, CEA added this vote to our Technology Legislation Scorecard. We urge the Senate to move quickly and pass strong patent abuse legislation. Together we can drive the trolls back under the bridge, and allow Americans to create extraordinary new inventions without fear of ruinous and bogus lawsuits.”
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the technology trade association representing the $203 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org, www.DeclareInnovation.com and through social media: http://www.ce.org/social.
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