WASHINGTON – Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) today introduced the Patent Reform Act of 2009, a landmark bill that would be the first significant overhaul of the nation’s patent system more than 50 years.

In his remarks on the bill, which were entered into the Congressional Record, Hatch lauded the bipartisan effort, saying the legislation “represents a bipartisan and bicameral commitment to streamline our nation’s patent system that will improve patent quality and limit unnecessary and counterproductive litigation costs.”

Hatch also complimented House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.) and Ranking Minority Member Lamar Smith (R-Texas) for their work on patent reform, calling them “true partners in this important legislation.”

After listening to stakeholders, many changes have been made to the Patent Reform Act of 2009. Hatch would like to see the legislation also address inequitable-conduct reform and how damages are awarded in infringement lawsuits.

“Now more than ever, our industries need reassurance and predictability in order to move forward in these challenging times,” Hatch said. “I believe the Patent Reform Act of 2009 has the potential to complement all of the stimulatory efforts currently under way. Now is the time to act.”