Press Release from BIO: The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act will benefit all sectors of U.S. economy
Washington, D.C. (June 23, 2011) – Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) President and CEO Jim Greenwood released the following statement on the passage of The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, H.R. 1249, by the House of Representatives:
“Small biotechnology companies rely heavily on their patents to attract investment to fund the lengthy and expensive research and development process necessary to bring breakthrough medical therapies and other products to patients and consumers. Strong intellectual property protection is critical for these companies.
“The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act will bring our patent system into the 21st century. The improvements made by the bill will benefit all sectors of the national economy by enhancing patent quality and the efficiency, objectivity, predictability and transparency of the U.S. patent system.
“BIO commends Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX) for shepherding The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act through the House. By modernizing and strengthening America’s patent system, this legislation will continue our nation’s global leadership in innovation while driving job growth throughout our economy.
“BIO will continue to work with House and Senate leaders to ensure that final patent reform legislation addresses any remaining concerns and is enacted into law this year.”
About BIO
BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtech Now, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling “innovations transforming our world.”
About AZBio
AZBio – The Arizona BioIndustry Association
Business + BioScience for a Better Arizona
AZBio is comprised of member organizations in business, research, government, and other professions involved in biosciences and is a State Affiliate of BIO and a member of AdvaMEd
The Mission of AZBio:
To serve our Members, both as organizations and as individuals, by providing access to the key resources, connections, and information that support their ability to Connect, Collaborate, Innovate and Succeed thus supporting the growth of a thriving economic ecosystem for Arizona’s Bioscience Industry.