美国专利法改革述评

A Review of the Reform of Patent Act in the United States

近年来,由于专利授予数量和专利诉讼案件的激增,美国国内要求进行专利改革的呼声迭起。美国两党议员自2005年以来已经连续三次向国会提交《专利改革法案》。法案提议修改的内容主要有先申请原则、损害赔偿的计算方式、创设专利授予后的异议程序、设立专利审判和上诉委员会等几个方面。改革法案的提出,引起了美国企业界、各州及各种利益团体的广泛关注和激烈辩论,引发了人们对美国专利制度的深层次思考。

Calls for patent reform in the United States have grown stronger recently as a result of the increase of the number of patents and patent litigation. Members of Congress from both parties have submitted the Patent Reform Act to Congress three times since 2005. The content for revision includes the principle of first to apply, the way of calculating damages, the creation of post-grant procedures and the establishment of patent trial and appeal board. The submission of the reform act has caused widespread concern and heated debate among business circles, the states and various interest groups. It will lead the public to a deeper consideration on the American patent system.