Patent Reform Bill Introduced in House

internetnews.com on February 01, 2007

Reps. Rick Boucher (D-Va.) and Howard Berman (D-Calif.) are trying to fast-track patent reform with their introduction of legislation called the Patents Depend on Quality Act of 2006 (PDQ Act). The bill would clarify when a court can grant injunctive relief and require all patent applications to be published within 18 months of filing. It would also allow third parties to comment during the application process and establish administrative procedures for post-grant reviews. Boucher says he hopes the bill will receive a full floor vote in March or April.