US semiconductor firms remain divided over plans to shake up the country's patent system, as its most senior legislators prepare to debate the topic.
The US Congress is scheduled to argue the merits of the "Patent Reform Act of 2009" this month. One of the key proposals will be to switch from a "first-to-invent" system to a "first-to-file" approach.
And while there is some support for a change that should reduce the number of costly legal battles fought over intellectual property when prior invention is claimed, there is also a worry that the reforms might stifle innovation from individuals and small companies.
Fibre-optic component specialist JDSU is among those squarely in favor of 'first-to-file':
"We believe in patent reform," the Californian company said, citing as its main reason the current ability of "patent trolls" to obtain injunctions and disproportionate damages in cases that reach the courts or are settled prior to that.
JDSU's stance is backed by many of the US' leading technology companies, including, among others, the silicon semiconductor giant Intel, Hewlett-Packard, and Cisco Systems — under the umbrella of the "Coalition for Patent Fairness".
However, that position is not shared by all. In February this year, a much wider range of companies including Air Products, Dow Corning and Texas Instruments voiced their concerns in an open letter to President Obama, saying:
Read the rest of the story at compoundsemiconductor.net.