Protect Emergency Readiness from Patent Trolls

In this time of intense polarization, bipartisan progress still happens. It just doesn’t get the notice it deserves.

One such positive development comes from Arizona Representative David Schweikert (R-AZ-6) along with Representative Suzan DelBene (D-WA-1) of Washington State. The two lawmakers have teamed up to introduce a bill aimed at hindering the ability of patent trolls to misuse the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). Though that may seem like an obscure concern with everything going on right now, the answer to ‘who cares?’ and ‘why now?’ may surprise, if not unnerve many.

The impact of the bill, the “Advancing America’s Interests Act,” (H.R. 8037) could be significant. The legislation would make it tougher for patent-abusing profiteers to game the system to enrich themselves while imposing serious harm to just about everyone else.