U.S. businesses laud 'season for patent reform'

By Susan Decker

Microsoft and Intel have urged lawmakers to overhaul the U.S. patent system for more than five years. They may get their wish in 2007.

A record $1.52 billion verdict against Microsoft last month, the Democrats' takeover of Congress and U.S. Supreme Court rulings are building momentum for the biggest changes in U.S. patent law since 1952. Proposals include legislation to make it easier for targets of infringement suits to challenge patents and limit damages if they lose.

"Things have happened that make this the season for patent reform," said Emery Simon, counsel for the Business Software Alliance, a Washington lobbying group whose members include Microsoft, Intel and Apple.


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