Anti-Patent Troll Bill Passes The House
My comment on the vote (originally a comment to a post on PatentlyO):<p>Looks like the Watt (D-NC), Jackson-Lee (D-TX), and Conyers (D-MI) amendments failed. The text of amendments isn't on Thomas yet but the Congressional Black Caucus has been very skeptical of even the hint of loser-pays provisions for a long time and several members emphasized that objection in committee. I'm guessing those amendments were aimed at fee-shifting provisions. Looks like a slim majority of the CBC voted against final passage while non-CBC Democrats voted three-to-one in favor.<p>My favorite CBC members Barbara Lee (D-CA, yes) and Donna Edwards (D-MD, no) were split.<p>I couldn't see any pattern in Republicans that voted no, though I was disappointed in favorite Republican Justin Amash (R-MI). There doesn't seem to be any distinct lean among Progressive, RSC, Hispanic Caucus, Tea Party, regional groups, or other subdivisions for or against the measure.<p>Well, except the SF bay area which is solidly in favor. Maybe the new PTO office there will be the site of protest rallies someday.<p>I don't know what's in the Rohrabacher (R-CA) amendment that was adopted, either. It seems to have passed with mostly Democratic votes.