Statement of Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono of Hawai‘i
in the U.S. House of Representatives
On the Patent Reform Act Of 2007
September 7, 2007
Mr. Chairman, I rise in reluctant opposition to H.R. 1908, the Patent Reform Act.
I applaud the House Judiciary Committee and the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property for their efforts in putting together this comprehensive bill. However, I cannot in good conscience support the Patent Reform Act in its current form given the concerns that continue to be raised from organizations in my district and at least 100 companies nationwide.
Organizations in my district, such as the Hawaii Science & Technology Council and University of Hawaii's Office of Technology Transfer and Economic Development, have raised concerns regarding the provisions on mandatory publication, prior user rights, apportionment of damages, and post-grant review, which may discourage investment in innovative technologies, harm inventors, and reduce publication and collaborative activities among academic scientists. I want to make sure that the final bill that becomes law protects the interests of Hawaii's burgeoning high technology industry and small inventors.
This bill remains a work-in-progress that certainly requires more debate. Our patent system serves as the basis for America's innovation. It is my hope that the concerns and needs of our inventors will be addressed in conference should this bill pass the House as I very much want to be able to support the final conference report.
