Innovation Protection Act
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary introduced in house (Apr 16, 2015)
Innovation Protection Act
Establishes in the Treasury the United States Patent and Trademark Office Public Enterprise Fund (Public Enterprise Fund) to be used as a revolving fund by the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) without fiscal year limitation.
Requires to be credited to or deposited in the Public Enterprise Fund: (1) appropriations for defraying the costs of USPTO activities; (2) fees collected under federal patent and trademark laws; and (3) any unobligated balances remaining in the Patent and Trademark Office Appropriation Account and in the Patent and Trademark Fee Reserve Fund. (Thus, replaces the Patent and Trademark Office Appropriation Account, eliminates the Patent and Trademark Fee Reserve Fund, and provides a source of permanent funding for the USPTO.)
Requires fees collected by the Director to remain available to the Director until expended.
Makes the Public Enterprise Fund available to cover: (1) ordinary and reasonable administrative, operating, and other expenses incurred by the Director for the continued operation of USPTO services, programs, activities, and duties relating to patents and trademarks; and (2) expenses incurred pursuant to obligations, representations, or other commitments of the USPTO.
Requires the Director, on an annual basis, to: (1) report to Congress with operation and spending plans, including financial details and staff levels broken down by each major activity; (2) provide for an independent audit of USPTO financial statements; and (3) submit a budget to the President.
What just happenedMay 15, 2015
Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet.
Who’s behind it
- Introduced in HouseApr 16, 2015
- May 15, 2015Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet.
Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet Subcommittee - Apr 16, 2015IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Judiciary Committee - Apr 16, 2015IntroReferralB00100
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E524)
- Apr 16, 2015IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- Apr 16, 2015IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House