Christopher Banys Debates Patent Reform In The Senate

PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Christopher Banys, who represents inventors and small businesses in patent disputes, debated a proposed overhaul of the U.S. patent system with IP counsel from Intel, Johnson & Johnson and the Coalition for 21st Century Patent Reform, a law school professor, and others, this week in a special meeting of staff for the Senate Judiciary Committee.

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"Congress is considering dangerous changes to our Constitutional patent system that has for centuries made America the world's innovative envy." The proposals, including multi-million dollar bond requirements, one-sided, infringer-friendly pleading rules, attorney-fee shifting and litigation stays are strongly supported by a few powerful tech companies. 

"Nothing in these bills will reduce frivolous litigation or lower costs - but if they pass, only the wealthiest few will have access to our taxpayer-funded courts – there will be no patent protection for anyone else," said Mr. Banys. He continued: "Congress should not remake our justice system so it only works for the rich. The proposals before the Senate will bar the courthouse door to inventors, universities and start-ups - our modern-day Edisons and Wright Brothers. Without enforcement, inventors' patents are worthless and they will have little incentive to invent." 

Congress passed a sweeping overhaul of the patent system two years ago, the "America Invents Act." Many of those changes have yet to be fully felt. "With the ink barely dry on the last patent bill and several important patent cases before the Supreme Court, now is not the time to tinker with patent rights," said Mr. Banys. "New technology is the beating heart of our economy, and Congress should not change the law, to benefit the wealthy, and end up discouraging new inventions for decades. Instead, the system should be made faster, cheaper and more fair to all innovators, from garage dreamers to the richest companies." Mr. Banys previously testified against the Innovation Act, which recently passed the House of Representatives with little consideration or debate.

Banys, P.C. is a team of trial lawyers dedicated to getting results for its clients. The firm brings intelligent, effective advocacy to courtrooms around the nation in intellectual property, commercial, personal injury, employment and class action cases.  For more information visit www.banyspc.com

Contact:
Bambi Alexander-Banys
Banys, P.C., Trial Lawyers
650.308.8505
[email protected]

SOURCE Banys, P.C.