Obama calls for patent reform in State of the Union speech

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Gardens, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2026

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Obama calls for patent reform in State of the Union speech

US President Barack Obama called for Congress to pass a patent reform bill during his State of the Union address

barack20obama.jpg

"Let’s pass a patent reform bill that allows our businesses to stay focused on innovation, not costly, needless litigation,” said Obama.

The House of Representatives in December passed the Innovation Act, introduced by Bob Goodlatte, by a vote of 325-91.

The Senate is considering its own legislation to tackle so-called patent trolls.

Goodlatte responded to Obama’s speech by saying he was encouraged by the president’s continued willingness to work with Congress to stop abusive patent litigation.

Businesses both large and small are affected by this growing problem and the enactment of the Innovation Act is central to US competiveness, job creation, and our nation’s future economic security. I look forward to working with President Obama and the Senate to see that patent litigation reform legislation is signed into law,” Goodlatte said.

more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

While the firm lost several litigators this month, Winston & Strawn is betting that its transatlantic merger will strengthen its IP practice
In other news, Ericsson sought a declaratory judgment against Acer and Netflix filed a cease-and-desist letter against ByteDance over AI misuse
As trade secret filings rise due to AI development and economic espionage concerns, firms are relying on proactive counselling to help clients navigate disputes
IP firm leaders share why they remain positive in the face of falling patent applications from US filers, and how they are meeting a rising demand from China
The power of DEI to swing IP pitches is welcome, but why does it have to be left so late?
Mathew Lucas has joined Pearce IP after spending more than 25 years at Qantm IP-owned firm Davies Collison Cave
Exclusive survey data reveals a generally lax in-house attitude towards DEI, but pitches have been known to turn on a final diversity question
Managing IP will host a ceremony in London on May 1 to reveal the winners
Abigail Wise shares her unusual pathway into the profession, from failing A-levels to becoming Lewis Silkin’s first female IP partner
There are some impressive AI tools available for trademark lawyers, but law firm leaders say humans can still outthink the bots
Gift this article