BIO’s Statement on the Confirmation of Andrei Iancu to Lead the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The following statement may be attributed to BIO President & CEO James
Greenwood:

“I congratulate Andrei Iancu on his Senate confirmation to fill the
position of Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and
Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO).

“The position of PTO Director is extraordinarily important, as it
oversees a federal agency that is an indispensable element of the
continued economic growth and innovation of American enterprise.

“Strong and reliable patents are the lifeblood of the biotechnology
industry. They are critical in ensuring a steady stream of capital to
biotechnology companies developing innovative medicines and more
sustainable, bio-based energy and agricultural products. And they are
essential to the technology transfer process that leads from inventions
in the lab to products on the shelves.

“I look forward to engaging with Director Iancu and his staff as BIO
continues to push for balanced reforms to curb abusive anti-patent
practices, protect the ability of patent owners to defend their
inventions and businesses against infringement, and promote greater
predictability and certainty of patent rights as a basis for investment
in innovation.”

About BIO

BIO is the world's largest trade association representing biotechnology
companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and
related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other
nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of
innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental
biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO
International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the
biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and
partnering meetings held around the world. BIOtechNOW
is BIO's blog chronicling “innovations transforming our world” and the
BIO Newsletter is the organization’s bi-weekly email newsletter. Subscribe
to the BIO Newsletter.

Contacts

Biotechnology Innovation Organization
George Goodno, 202-962-6660
Web:
www.bio.org
Blog:
www.biotech-now.org
Twitter:
@IAmBiotech