July 02, 2014 05:04 PM Eastern Daylight Time
ARLINGTON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The following statement can be attributed to Michael Petricone, senior vice president of Government and Legal Affairs at the Consumer Electronics Association® regarding the nomination of the next executive director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office:
“We are concerned, and frankly puzzled, by the potential nomination of Philip Johnson as executive director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.”
“We are concerned, and frankly puzzled, by the potential nomination of Philip Johnson as executive director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
“Mr. Johnson took a leading role in stalling patent reform efforts earlier this year in the U.S. Senate, and worked diligently to weaken or kill a variety of White House initiatives to stop patent trolls. It seems absurd that a strong opponent of attempts to reduce frivolous litigation should be asked to implement the Obama administration’s initiatives to fix our broken patent system.
“We urge the White House to go back to the drawing board and find a qualified candidate who shares the President’s stated goal of improving our patent system by reducing litigation abuse.”
For a running tally of what patent trolls have cost the U.S. economy since the House passed the Innovation Act in December, click here to view the “Troll Toll.”
Legitimate businesses are victimized by patent trolls every day in our country. Click here to see how frivolous patent lawsuits are stifling American innovation.
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the technology trade association representing the $208 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org, www.DeclareInnovation.com and through social media: http://www.ce.org/social
