06 Dec FDRA Applauds US House Passage of Patent Troll Reform Legislation – Practice Has Impacted Footwear Industry
The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) praised the House of Representatives for passing the Innovation Act of 2013. The legislation aims to reduce frivolous and abusive patent litigation, asserted by patent trolls, that has negatively impacted some companies in the footwear industry.
“We have been hearing from several of our members that patent trolls are starting to impact the way they conduct their business. I am glad Congress could put politics to the side and pass this important legislation to help protect legitimate footwear business,” said FDRA President Matt Priest. “Patent trolls are disruptive to footwear innovation and can cause brands serious financial damage. We hope the Senate will follow the House in passing this legislation.”
Priest added, “Any footwear company or brand who is effected by these issues should contact FDRA for assistance from our IP attorney.”
About FDRA: Founded in 1944, FDRA is the largest and most respected footwear trade association in the U.S. It represents the full breadth of the footwear industry, supporting more than 100 companies and over 200 brands, from research, design and development, to manufacturing and distribution, to retailers selling to consumers all over the globe. FDRA is the footwear industry’s voice in Washington, as well as its business intelligence hub for issues such as footwear product safety, factory social compliance, sales and import data, IP and sourcing strategy support.