Robert Menendez

Includes Menendez Plan to Fast-Track Cutting Edge Technologies

September 8, 2011

Washington – In a major boost to New Jersey small businesses and entrepreneurs, the US Senate today passed new steps to prioritize patents for job-creating technologies of importance to America's economy, including cutting-edge green technologies. US Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) led the fight to prioritize applications for innovative technology, a measure that was included in the America Invents Act, which passed the Senate tonight and is headed to the President’s desk for signature.

“We create jobs by harnessing the ideas of our innovators, not tying them down with red tape.  My patent provision says to our small businesses and innovators:  The government will register your ideas, and then get out of the way. Only then can our small businesses do what they do best – grow our economy and create jobs.” Said Senator Menendez

The Patent Office’s current pilot program on green technologies has allowed patents to be granted more quickly than the average 2 to 3 year wait.  The Menendez amendment would expand the program to expedite patents of vital national importance or patents that help our nation’s economy.  It would also make the program  permanent.

Senator Menendez’s legislation passed as part of the America Invents Act, a bill that will modernize our patent system and help bolster economic development, sustain American innovation, and protect American jobs.

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