House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

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House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	July 31, 2017 12:07 PM
From:	Representative Todd Stephens
To:	All House members
Subject:	Protecting PA Businesses From Patent Trolls

Businesses across the United States and this Commonwealth have been the target of “patent trolls” bringing fraudulent patent infringement claims against legitimate business-owners. These illegitimate claims cost our businesses unnecessary expense, duress and resources. In response to this growing problem, many states have enacted new laws addressing this issue. Accordingly, I will be introducing legislation requiring those who send demand letters alleging patent infringement to conduct due diligence before bringing a claim and to provide specificity in their demand letter. My legislation will provide civil remedies for Pennsylvania businesses aggrieved by these unscrupulous actors. Additionally, like several other states, in addition to allowing businesses to proactively defend themselves, my legislation will provide the Attorney General with the authority to enforce these new provisions as well. This legislation is supported by the PA Chamber of Business and Industry, the PA Association of Realtors, the Pennsylvania Retailers Association and the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association. Please join me in co-sponsoring this piece of legislation.

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