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Statement from U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke on the Passage of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act by the U.S. House of Representatives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 23, 2011
CONTACT OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
202-482-4883

“I congratulate the U.S. House of Representatives for their leadership in passing the most significant patent reform legislation in more than a half a century.  The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act will accelerate innovation and create new jobs, new industries and new economic opportunities for the American people. 

I want to thank Judiciary Chairman Smith, Subcommittee Chairman Goodlatte and Ranking Member Watt, as well as the House Leadership, for their stewardship in moving this legislation forward.  This bipartisan, job-creating legislation will allow USPTO to begin expedited patent processing for those who want it, guaranteeing an examination on applications within one year and helping to speed great ideas to the marketplace.  

I look forward to continuing to work with Congress so this important legislation can be sent to the president quickly.”