Patent Reform

The Issue

Innovation requires investments. Investors are willing to support research into treatments for cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, HIV/AIDs and other intractable diseases because of the predictability provided by the U.S. patent system.

Our Position

While there are measures that might improve the U.S. patent system, lawmakers must proceed cautiously to ensure that it remains an incentive to investors. No action should be taken that might weaken the current patent system or make it more difficult to enforce valid patents. We will only support changes that strengthen the current system.

Strong patents are the biotechnology industry's collateral. They give investors the confidence to back high-risk biopharmaceutical ventures that hold great potential for both patients and stakeholders. Patent reforms should not weaken patents or make it easier to infringe on patents that have been held and developed at great cost by inventors and their partners.

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