NRF lauds US government's attention to strengthening US patent system, proposed series of measures aimed at protecting retailers, restaurants from patent trolls, urges Congress to follow through with legislation this year

Cindy Allen

WASHINGTON , February 20, 2014 (press release) – Now Congress Must Act to Address the Concerns of Retailers and Restaurants

The National Retail Federation issued the following statement today from Senior Vice President David French before his meetings at the White House, where the administration will announce a series of steps aimed at protecting business owners and innovators from patent trolls:

“The National Retail Federation credits the administration’s attention to strengthening the United States patent system and proposing a series of measures aimed at protecting Main Street retailers and restaurants from abusive patent trolls. The president has recognized the economic harm caused by patent trolls, and we welcome the administration’s leadership on this priority. Further transparency, clarity, education and enforcement are all welcome steps for the nation’s business community.

“Patent litigation reform will require tough policy choices and decisions, and ultimately the power rests with Congress to solve the patent troll problem. Congress needs to act this year on patent reform and address the lingering questions around demand letter transparency, the customer stay provision and expanded covered business method patents in order to fully protect local shops and stores from costly and abusive patent troll lawsuits.

“The administration has created a path forward for Congress to address patent trolls and we urge them to take up that responsibility now.”

NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and Internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation’s largest private sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs – 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.5 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy. NRF’s This is Retail campaign highlights the industry’s opportunities for life-long careers, how retailers strengthen communities, and the critical role that retail plays in driving innovation. www.nrf.com

Note to media: NRF Advocates for Fair Patent Laws

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