Unions and Businesses Form Coalitions to Oppose U.S. Patent Reform Act of 2007

Millions Whose Jobs May Be at Risk Are Represented in Fight Against S. 1145

Fourteen unions and more than 485 businesses and organizations expressed concerns about provisions in the proposed Patent Reform Act of 2007 (S. 1145). In a letter dated February 6, 2008 and sent to every member of the United States Senate, the union coalition warned Senators that the legislation, which may hit the Senate floor soon, could "undermine the competitiveness of U.S. industry" and put millions of workers' jobs at risk. Enacting S. 1145 would further weaken the state of the American economy.

According to the union coalition members, during the last seven years, about three million manufacturing jobs have disappeared and wages have decreased or held stagnant. They believe that if the Patent Reform Act is 2007 is enacted in its present form, it could allow international competitors to steal American inventions and as a result, reduce sorely needed investments in domestic manufacturing.

The economy is the main focus of Americans as the country moves through the 2008 presidential election campaigns. In top news announced on the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office web site, the Bush Administration also opposes the current provisions of the Patent Reform Act of 2007. The Bush Administration agrees that S. 1145 would hurt the U. S. intellectual property protection system and changes should be made that better reflect all innovators and business models. The Bush Administration expressed their intent to work with Congress to enact patent reform legislation that will encourage innovation in all sectors of the economy.