Owner of Small Tech Company Writes Letter to Chicago Tribune

Patent reform threatens small business

There’s an idea looming in Congress and it threatens the core of our economy: small businesses. The biggest thing our country has is technology and the skills, knowhow, excitement and innovation to create something new. One idea puts that all in jeopardy.

Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., released a draft discussion of a new patent reform bill. The draft amending Section 18 of the America Invents Act would make it much harder for small businesses that own a patent or to enforce their own patent.

Specifically, if this reform was enacted, U.S. innovators could be harmed by undermining the rights of patent holders. Many valid patents could be inadvertently undermined by giving infringers a new procedural loophole to delay enforcement. It would also create uncertainty and stymie innovation.

As Alan Kay once said, “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” Members of Congress, please do not threaten our innovation. Protect it and enhance it.

— Mick McDonnell, River Forest

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