Microsoft Comments on the Patent Reform Act of 2009

Today the Senate Judiciary Committee ended its markup on the Patent Reform Act of 2009. The legislation will now be taken up by the full Senate. Horacio Gutierrez, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel, Microsoft Corp., stated the following: We are very grateful to Chairman Leahy, Senators Feinstein, Specter and Hatch and the members of the Committee for their tireless efforts and continued commitment to enacting meaningful patent reform legislation. Their focus on modernizing the patent system, promoting innovation and fueling American competitiveness has taken this legislation in a very positive direction. In particular, we appreciate the determination shown by the sponsors to push this legislation forward and commend the open process in the Committee, which allowed all stakeholders, from every sector, the opportunity to express their views fully.