ITAA Backs Additional Funding for USPTO.

Business Editors, High Tech Writers

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 9, 2001

The Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) this week asked Congress to allow the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to keep a larger percentage of the revenues it generates in order to upgrade the agency's operational effectiveness.

"A new economy needs a new approach to the examination of patent applications and to the protection of valuable intellectual property," said ITAA President Harris Miller. "The bad news is that the sheer volume of patent applications has hampered the ability of high tech entrepreneurs to have their applications granted in a timely manner. The good news is that the USPTO generates revenue surpluses and, if allowed to retain a higher portion of these funds, has the wherewithal to correct the situation. We urge Congress to protect America's high tech entrepreneurs by making this strategic investment in the USPTO."

In a letter to Sen. Judd Gregg, Chairman, Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State and Judiciary, Miller said that ITAA supports the President's request to increase USPTO funding and noted that Congress should allow an even greater funding level. Miller said that a budget increase would allow the USPTO to cut its application backlog and to both recruit and retain the workforce needed to accomplish its mission.

Sanjay Prasad, chief patent counsel at Oracle Corporation and chair of ITAA's Intellectual Property Committee said, "Considering the significant challenges faced by our corporations everyday in the area of patent law, especially business methods patents, it is imperative that USPTO has the maximum appropriate level of funding at its disposal to get the job done. Adequate funding is important to ensure that U.S. companies remain globally competitive. Inadequate funding for USPTO causes American companies to experience a decline in the quality of the agency's work, resulting in higher litigation costs and uncertainty in the marketplace, or to massive backlogs in applications, which stifle innovation."

The Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) provides global public policy, business networking, and national leadership to promote the continued rapid growth of the IT industry. ITAA consists of over 500 direct corporate members throughout the U.S., and a global network of 41 countries' IT associations. The Association plays the leading role in issues of IT industry concern including information security, taxes and finance policy, digital intellectual property protection, telecommunications competition, workforce and education, immigration, online privacy and consumer protection, government IT procurement, human resources and e-commerce policy. ITAA members range from the smallest IT start-ups to industry leaders in the Internet, software, IT services, ASP, digital content, systems integration, telecommunications, and enterprise solution fields. For more information visit www.itaa.org.