The Association of American Universities, Association of American Medical Colleges, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, Association of University Technology Managers, and Council on Governmental Relations today released the following statement regarding the introduction of the STRONGER Patents Act in the U.S. House of Representatives.
We thank Representatives Steve Stivers (R-OH) and Bill Foster (D-IL) for introducing the STRONGER Patents Act, bipartisan legislation that would effectively crack down on abuses of the U.S. patent system while taking steps to improve that system. Universities and medical schools rely on a robust, equitable patent system to ensure research discoveries can be transferred to businesses that can develop them into marketable products that improve our quality of life and fuel the economy. This measure would help ensure the strength of this technology transfer process, which contributes significantly to our nation’s leadership in science and technology. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress, as well as with USPTO Director Andrei Iancu, toward our shared goals of curtailing abusive patent litigation and reinforcing the strength of the U.S. patent system.
Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities comprises 62 distinguished institutions that continually advance society through education, research, and discovery.
Our universities earn the majority of competitively awarded federal funding for academic research, are improving human life and wellbeing through research, and are educating tomorrow’s visionary leaders and global citizens.
AAU members collectively help shape policy for higher education, science, and innovation; promote best practices in undergraduate and graduate education; and strengthen the contributions of research universities to society.