By Lawrence B. Ebert 1On 14 November 2007, Techweb noted that Barack Obama had unveiled a nine
page technology policy plan. Techweb stated Obama proposed having the USPTO offer applicants
“who know they have significant inventions the option of a rigorous and public peer review that
would produce a ‘gold-plated’ patent much less vulnerable to court
challenge.”
Within the Obama plan on technology policy, the portion on patent reform is the last
entry and states:
Reform the Patent System: A system that produces timely, high-quality patents is
essential for global competitiveness in the 21st century. By improving predictability and clarity in our
patent system, we will help foster an environment that encourages innovation. Giving the Patent and
Trademark Office (PTO) the resources to improve patent quality and opening up the patent process to
citizen review will reduce the uncertainty and wasteful litigation that is currently a significant drag on
innovation. With better informational resources, the Patent and Trademark Office could offer patent
applicants who know they have significant inventions the option of a rigorous and public peer review
that would produce a “gold-plated” patent much less vulnerable to court challenge. Where
dubious patents are being asserted, the PTO could conduct low-cost, timely administrative proceedings
to determine patent validity. As president, Barack Obama will ensure that our p...
