Patent Reform Bill Passes House

Via Intellectual Property Watch. Something to keep an eye on.

The United States House of Representatives Friday approved sweeping changes to the US patent system, setting the stage for Senate action which could send the measure to the president for signature.

By a margin of 220-175, lawmakers passed “The Patent Reform Act of 2007,” HR 1908, with five amendments. Given strong opposition to some provisions from certain industry sectors and the Bush Administration, however, the measure’s future remains uncertain.

The vote followed a sometimes contentious debate marked by criticism not only of the underlying bill but of a rule limiting discussion to one hour.