Patent Law Practice Center

More Patent Changes on the Horizon for 2013

On September 7, 2012, I spoke at length and on the record with Manus Cooney.  Cooney is a prominent DC Lobbyist who was intimately involved in lobbying the America Invents Act (AIA).  He is a partner with the American Continental Group, a D.C. based consulting and lobbying firm that boasts one of the most prominent IP practice groups in town.  As a former Chief Counsel for the United States Senate Judiciary Committee, Cooney knows well how legislation moves, how to work with Members of Congress to fix legislation and how to engage in the art of persuasion to help clients have their interests considered.

In part 1 of the interview we talked largely about the art of lobbying in general.  In part 2, which is forthcoming, we spoke directly about the AIA and what is on the horizon for patent reform.  Yes, you heard that correct.  Cooney and two of his partners at ACG — Marla Grossman (for IP Counsel to Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Chris Israel (the first “IP Czar”) — have told me that patent reform is not done.  In fact, things are just heating up.  With ACG primarily representing clients who are advocating for strong IP protection both in the U.S. and abroad, they are quick to point out that there are forces at work that continue to attempt to erode the rights of content creators and innovators.

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