Senate Judiciary committee to hold hearings about federally-funded university research and patentsOctober 22, 2007 On Wednesday at 1:30 eastern time, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold hearings entitled "The Role of Federally-Funded University Research in the Patent System." Those testifying will be: Arti K. Rai, professor, Duke University School of Law (testimony) Elizabeth Hoffman, Executive Vice President and Provost, Iowa State University (testimony) Robert Weissman, Director, Essential Action (testimony) Dr. Charles Louis, Vice Chancellor for Research, University of California, Riverside (testimony) This hearing does not appear to be related to the Patent Reform Act of 2007 (S.1145), which has yet to be brought up in the Senate since passing the House in September. It may be to address some of the concerns that have been voiced regarding the effect of the new continuation and claim limit rules on university research, specifically with regard to the Bayh-Dole Act. Update (10/24): Links added to the witnesses' testimony. Senator Leahy also provided a statement. As noted by Gene Quinn, Dr. Charles Louis mentioned the detrimental effect the new claims and continuation rules and the Patent Reform Act of 2007 will have on University technology transfer. Click below for the relevant comments. Here is the relevant excerpt: UC is concerned for example, that some of the proposals being considered in the current debate over patent reform legislation could, if enacted in their current form, make it more difficult and more costly for universities and others engaged in technological advancements to continue to effectively make use of the patent system, as provided by the Bayh-Dole Act, and to ensure that advancements made in research laboratories reach the public. In addition, any rules promulgated by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that make it more burdensome and expensive for universities to obtain patents on their inventions, such as the new claims and continuation rules, would be detrimental to university technology transfer. ← Return to Filewrapper