Patent Vote Near But No Timeline, Chairman Says

Patent reform will get a floor vote in the House soon, Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) said this week, but he wouldn’t commit to a timeline. The House bill, aimed at curbing the litigation tactics used by so-called trolls, was pulled off the House calendar last month, with GOP members saying it needed more work. The bill faces opposition from Conservative groups, and the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. “I think the issue is making sure that the momentum stays strong,” Goodlatte said. “There is a lot going on particularly right now, but there will be opportunities to bring this legislation to the floor, and I believe it will come to the floor soon.”