Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: New Hampshire Urges Significant Changes to the Patent Reform Act of 2007

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Abstract:
Signatories Raise Concerns Over Job Growth and Future of State's Innovation Economy

New Hampshire Urges Significant Changes to the Patent Reform Act of 2007

SALEM, NH | Posted on June 21st, 2007

AmberWave Systems, along with five other New Hampshire-based organizations and more than 200 signers nationally, contacted key members of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees this week expressing a united opposition against three problematic elements of the Patent Reform Act of 2007.

In addition to AmberWave, the New Hampshire-based signatories included the New Hampshire Department of Recourses and Economic Development (DRED); Dartmouth Regional Technology Center in Lebanon; the New Hampshire Biotechnology Council in Portsmouth; the University of New Hampshire in Durham; and SmoothShapes, Inc. in Merrimack.

The New Hampshire contingent was unique among the 200 signers. New Hampshire's state government's economic development agency, it's leading state university, a leading technology development center, a high-tech trade organization, and multiple start-up companies each signed the letter.

"New Hampshire is taking a national lead on this issue," said Bryan Lord, vice president of finance & licensing and general counsel for AmberWave Systems. "Our technology businesses, university leaders and state government all understand the importance of innovation and strong patent protection to the future of our state's economy, job growth, and quality of life. As currently drafted, the proposed legislation undermines the innovation engine upon which the future of our state and region depends."

The letter states that the Patent Reform Act will, "hinder innovation across the diverse sectors of the American economy we represent, including academia, agriculture, alternative energy, biotechnology, chemicals, electronics, environmental technology, financial services, information technology, life sciences, manufacturing, nanotechnology and telecommunications." The letter then states three shared areas of concern and recommends striking the Act's provisions most likely to damage the innovation economy:

* Language pertaining to the apportionment of damages;
* The creation of an open-ended post-grant review process;
* The granting of unprecedented rulemaking authority for the Patent and Trademark Office.

Additionally, the letter calls for modifications to provisions in the bill that would establish a first-to-file system of priority.

AmberWave Systems is a founding member of The Innovation Alliance, a coalition of entrepreneurial companies who also co-signed the letter and is seeking to enhance America's innovation environment by improving the quality of patents granted and protecting the integrity of the U.S. patent system. A copy of the letter can be found at
http://www.innovationalliance.net/media_center/news/Patent200LetterFinal.pdf .

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About AmberWave Systems
Founded in 1998, AmberWave Systems has become a leader in the research, development and licensing of advanced technologies for semiconductor manufacturing. By funding and guiding university research, AmberWave Systems is bringing new technology developments to fruition through patents and technology licensing. In conjunction with its university research projects, AmberWave Systems conducts its own research, development and limited manufacturing in its semiconductor fabrication facility in Salem, New Hampshire. In addition, AmberWave Systems collaborates with other technology focused companies to further expand and develop its research.

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Melissa Conger, 972-239-4559 ext. 137

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