Patent Law Practice Center

Scott McKeown, Partner at Oblon Spivak and Practice Center Contributor, sent in this article updating us on the status of H.R. 1249 aka “The America Invents Act” aka “Leahy-Smith America Invents Act”.

Significant Amendments Targeted for H.R. 1249

Hold up, wait a minute.

The America Invents Act has been seemingly remixed and re-released as the “Leahy-Smith America Invents Act.” All Republicans, throw your hands up, all Democrats, throw your hands up…

With the House now moving to floor debate of H.R. 1249, amendment proposals have come flying from all directions. Not surprisingly, some of the proposals aim to strike PTO fee setting authority, the end of fee diversion, as well as the first to file provision. Should these amendments be adopted, the bill would be killed. Another amendment, introduced by John Conyers (D-MI) seeks to strike everything but PTO funding (including the Detroit Office!). (more…)