FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2008
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AdvaMed Statement on Patent Reform Legislation
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Stephen J. Ubl, president and CEO of the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed), released the following statement today regarding Sen. Arlen Specter’s (R-PA) position on patent reform:
“AdvaMed commends Sen. Specter’s efforts to improve the
Patent Reform Act (S. 1145) to ensure that this legislation promotes continued U.S. leadership in innovation among all industries.
“Sen. Specter’s decision to withdraw support for the pending legislation should serve as a wake up call on the need for true patent reform. Additional negotiations are needed to reach consensus package that will not pave the way for patent pirates to steal intellectual property with no consequences.
“Patent reform legislation should not provide significant advantages to one business model at the expense of others and could limit the economic damages for which an infringer can be held accountable. Moreover, because damages will be less to the injured company, it cheapens medical technology intellectual property and could encourage infringement.
“Congress should not forget the concerns of patients who will suffer due to decreased medical technology innovation if existing protections are weakened. AdvaMed is committed to working with all stakeholders to establish a compromise on key provisions in the legislation.”
# # #AdvaMed member companies produce the medical devices, diagnostic products and health information systems that are transforming health care through earlier disease detection, less invasive procedures and more effective treatments. Our members produce nearly 90 percent of the health care technology purchased annually in the United States and more than 50 percent purchased annually around the world. AdvaMed members range from the largest to the smallest medical technology innovators and companies. For more information, visit www.advamed.org.