SIIA Welcomes the Introduction of the SHIELD Act
For Immediate Release
SIIA Communications Contact: Laura Greenback, +1.410.533.1943,
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PR Agency Contact: Beth Dozier, +1.202.429.1883,
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SIIA Welcomes the Introduction of the SHIELD Act
Legislation Would Protect Tech and Content Companies from Predatory Patent Troll Lawsuits
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 27, 2013) – SIIA President Ken Wasch welcomed the introduction of the Saving High-Tech Innovators from Egregious Legal Disputes Act (SHIELD Act). The legislation, sponsored by Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Representative Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) is a strong response to the pressing problem of patent trolls by shifting the legal fees to the losing party when patent trolls lose their patent infringement cases. Wasch issued the following statement:
“The SHIELD Act sends a strong signal that Congress is serious about dealing with the patent troll problem this session of Congress, and that members of Congress fully understand the damage that patent trolls do to the economy, innovation and job creation.
“SIIA is committed to working with Congress and the Administration to find effective solutions to this problem. Last year, we looked favorably on proposed legislation that would reduce the leverage of patent trolls by shifting the burden of discovery costs beyond the minimum necessary to litigate the case to the party seeking additional discovery. This idea and the fee shifting proposal contained in the SHIELD Act are thoughtful and effective ways to deal with patent troll litigation.”
About SIIA
The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to more than 700 leading software and information companies.
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