Late last month, the Senate approved companion legislation. Both S1358 and HR3114 authorise the director of the Office to use funds pursuant to the Trademark Act of 1946 for patent purposes, in order to "avoid employee furloughs and other cutbacks at the PTO", according to an Innovation Alliance release.
Brian Pomper, executive director of the Innovation Alliance, applauded the House's approval and said: "Clearing this backlog and being able to more efficiently process applications at the PTO is vital to the growth of a healthy innovation economy."
The bills must still be sent to a conference committee before being considered and voted into law by President Obama.
