WASHINGTON, May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- In January, the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office (PTO) proposed changes to patent rules that would restrict
the number of claims examined in a single application and limit inventors'
rights to file continuation applications. The Biotechnology Industry
Organization (BIO) opposes these rule changes because they would have a
negative impact on biotechnology companies.
"BIO believes that the PTO's proposed rule changes will stifle biotech
innovation," BIO President & CEO Jim Greenwood stated. "It can take decades
to develop a patented biotechnology invention, in part because these
inventions must go through a rigorous regulatory approval process. Strong
patent protections are needed to allow biotech companies to attract the
investment needed to survive the long process of bringing a product to
market. The changes in the PTO's proposed rule will discourage investors
from investing money in biotech innovations."
"The PTO claims the rule changes are needed to address concerns about
patent quality and to reduce the large number of backlogged patent cases.
BIO believes that the proposed rules will not only lead to an increase in
the number of application filings but also do nothing to address the
quality concerns of the PTO. BIO recommends that the PTO hold public
hearings and post advance notices of proposed rules before making such
sweeping changes to patent rules," Greenwood continued.
In comments to the PTO's proposed rule filed yesterday, BIO recommended
alternative means for reducing the backlog of patent applications,
including an accelerated/deferred examination system, changes in the PTO
examiner production system, increased examiner education, and improved
cooperation with other patent offices.
To read BIO's comments, visit the BIO web site at
http://www.bio.org/ip/letters/.
BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic
institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across
the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the
research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and
environmental biotechnology products.
SOURCE Biotechnology Industry Organization
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Related links:
http://www.bio.org
CONTACT:
Paul Winters of the Biotechnology Industry
Organization, +1-202-962-9237
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