We commend Senators Cotton (R-AR) and Coons (D-DE), along with Representatives Moran (R-TX) and Dean (D-PA), for reintroducing the bipartisan, bicameral RESTORE Patent Rights Act. This critically important legislation will help protect intellectual property (IP) rights and foster investment in groundbreaking innovation, reinforcing America’s technological leadership.
For over two centuries, inventors had the ability to secure permanent injunctions against those who stole or unlawfully used their patented inventions. However, a 2006 Supreme Court ruling drastically weakened this safeguard, making it increasingly difficult for patent holders to prevent infringement and IP theft. This change has discouraged investment in the long-term research and development (R&D) essential for maintaining U.S. competitiveness, particularly against global rivals like China.
The RESTORE Act seeks to correct this by restoring the right to injunctive relief when a patent is deemed valid and infringed. With a straightforward revision to patent law, this bill will strengthen protections for inventors and drive continued American innovation. We strongly encourage Congress to advance this important measure as it will have both economic and national security benefits.