HR 3954
To amend title 35, United States Code, to include the exclusive economic zone as part of the United States for patent infringement, and for other purposes.
Take action
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill changes U.S. patent law to extend its reach to activities occurring within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the United States. Specifically, it defines activities related to the economic exploitation of natural resources or marine scientific research conducted on or below the EEZ as occurring within the United States for patent infringement purposes. This means that if a patent is infringed by an activity in the EEZ, it can be prosecuted in U.S. courts as if it occurred onshore. The bill clarifies that this includes activities on the seabed of the EEZ.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
F. James, Jr. Sensenbrenner
Cosponsors
Cedric L. Richmond
John Ratcliffe
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yoursRead the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.