House Patent Hearing

Simon testimony final.docOn April 30, the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on HR 1260, the Patent Reform Act of 2009. HR 1260 is essentially identical to HR 1908 from the 110th Congress.

David Simon, Chief Patent Counsel for Intel Corporation, testified at the hearing on behalf of the Coalition for Patent Fairness, which supports the legislation. HR 1260 is essentially identical to HR 1908 from the 110th Congress. Other witnesses appeared on behalf of other coalitions supporting or opposing the House bill. Most of the testimony revolved around the damages section of the House bill, which the tech industry believes would substantially reduce incentives for patent “trolls” to file speculative lawsuits.

In opening statements, Judiciary Chairman John Conyers and ranking member Lamar Smith both vowed the panel would not rubber stamp Senate language. Conyers said his panel will pass a bill that is “fair to all parties concerned — or as fair as we can get it.”

David Simon’s testimony in spport of HR 1260 is attached.