Tillis Files Bill on Clarifying Patent Eligibility; CCIA Has Concerns

Senate Intellectual Property Subcommittee ranking member Thom Tillis, R-N.C., introduced legislation Wednesday he said will “restore patent eligibility” for innovative inventions across various fields. The Patent Eligibility Restoration Act is aimed at addressing patent eligibility confusion, and Tillis’ office said the bill would help strengthen U.S. positions in 5G, blockchain, artificial intelligence and biotechnology. The bill resolves concerns about the patenting of “mere ideas,” the “mere discovery of what already exists in nature, and social and cultural content that everyone agrees is beyond the scope of the patent system.” Computer & Communications Industry Association Patent Counsel Josh Landau said CCIA appreciates Tillis’ understanding “that this is a complex area of patent law and that it will take time to get it right. We have concerns about the expansion of eligibility the bill contains, and look forward to working with Senator Tillis to improve the bill."