Legislation addresses "bad faith" patent allegations

Legislation introduced in the Iowa Senate from the Iowa Attorney General’s office seeks to better protect Iowans who hold patents from “bad faith” claims of patent infringement. Senate Study Bill 1028 prohibits bad faith claims of patent infringement and clarifies what constitutes such a claim. Those who make these bad faith claims, sometimes called “patent trolls,” may also be subject to additional penalties. The issue has received a lot of attention at the federal level, but this is the first time the state has considered legislation. ABI members who would like to provide feedback on this issue may contact Rachel.