The document is a joint public statement from several prominent university and research associations, including the Association of American Universities (AAU), the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM), and the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR). These organizations collectively express support for the bipartisan STRONGER Patents Act (H.R. 5340), recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. They commend Representatives Steve Stivers and Bill Foster for their leadership in proposing legislation aimed at curbing patent system abuses while also reinforcing the system’s integrity. The associations underscore the importance of a fair and robust patent framework to facilitate the transfer of university-generated research discoveries to the private sector, thus fueling innovation, economic growth, and national leadership in science and technology. They affirm their commitment to collaborating with Congress and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to further strengthen the U.S. patent system and promote responsible innovation.
Additionally, the release provides background information on each association, describing their missions, memberships, and roles in higher education, scientific research, and policy advocacy. Collectively, these organizations represent a vast array of academic institutions, research centers, hospitals, and professionals dedicated to advancing education, medical research, technology development, and government relations in the context of research and innovation. Their endorsement of the STRONGER Patents Act highlights the critical intersection of legislative policy, academic research, and technological advancement.
