PATENT REFORM ACT OF 2007 MAKES STRANGE LABOR-MANAGEMENT BEDFELLOWS

Late last week, a number of labor unions sent a letter to members of the U.S. Senate urging opposition to the Patent Reform Act of 2007 (S. 1145). The letter expresses concern that the Act might undermine U.S. competiveness. The Act, which would modify conditions under which a patent may be obtained for an invention or discovery, is sponsored by Sen. Pat Leahy (D-VT), and is co-sponsored by two Democrats and seven Republicans. The House counterpart (H.R. 1908), however, passed on September 7, 2007, with substantial Democratic support (160 votes) and Republican opposition (117 votes against).

It will be interesting to watch, this election year in which organized labor has so significantly hitched its fate to Democratic electoral success, how much further these labor unions push their opposition to this proposed legislation.

For more on the Patent Reform Act of 2007:

- "Letter from Unions Opposing Patent Reform Act of 2007" at Anticipate This!

- "The Patent Union" at the Patent Prospector

- "Patent Reform Act of 2007" at Patently O.