Arizona inventor Karren Moreland wrote an opinion piece in the Arizona Republic, explaining her opposition to the proposed “Innovation Act” that would change US Patent Law. She expresses her concern that changes intended to cripple “patent trolls” would disadvantage the independent inventor in America. New requirements would pose higher hurdles for those filing patent-infringement lawsuits. Bigger corporate players would be able to clear the hurdles, but the small inventor would not have the resources or financial staying power to do so. She says this would tilt the playing field to the advantage of bigger entities.
There has always been tension between large and small inventors. It is not easy to balance their interests. Entrepreneur.com ran an article recently that surveys the issues, and citing Walt Disney Studios, Apple, and many other “garage inventor” startups. The issues at stake are nothing less than “American Innovation” which is so central to our self-image. This author sees the new effort to “harmonize” our patent laws with other patent systems around the world, as wrong-headed and dangerous.
More than ever before, the small inventor needs the guidance of experienced legal counsel, in order to protect his or her legitimate interest in his own creation and property.