Professional Activities
June 16, 2014
Fitch Even partner Kendrew H. Colton was quoted in an article published online in today’s edition of Chemical & Engineering News, a weekly publication of the American Chemical Society.
The article, titled "Patent Reform Stalls in Congress," discusses the mixed reactions to the news that following nearly a year of negotiations, the Senate Judiciary Committee had pulled a patent reform bill from the panel’s agenda.
In his comments, Ken pointed out that the judicial system does have the ability to handle abusive patent assertions. “But historically,” he said, “the courts have been seemingly chary about appearing to be too heavy-handed in managing litigant behaviors.” Because there is a lot at stake, the issue “won’t go away until there is some redress, either legislatively or judicially,” Ken continued. “Don’t be surprised if the various stakeholders press their concerns and try to come to some understandings in their conversations with Congress. Perhaps we may see some revised legislation before the next presidential election cycle begins in earnest.”
