Strategic Preparations by Universities and Allied Groups during the Senate Judiciary Committee debate on patent troll legislation earlier this year (2014), AAU, APLU, ACE, AAMC, AUTM, and COGR – the six higher education groups that have been collaborating on patent issues – began working with five allied groups: the Innovation Alliance, BIO, PhRMA, Coalition for 21st Century Patent Reform, and the Medical Device Manufacturers of America. These six patent-holder groups have substantial overlapping interests on patent legislation, and intend to work closely together in the coming year as the “Group of 6.”
The effort to enact sweeping patent litigation legislation will resume with increased intensity next year. The November election has altered the Congressional landscape for patent legislation, and Congressional Republicans have identified patent reform as a target for early action, citing bipartisan Congressional support and support from the White House. Listed are some of the factors likely to affect the Congressional debate in the coming year.