'Patent Troll Bill' Addresses Frivolous Lawsuits that Hamper Travel Industry's Growth

The U.S. Travel Association today welcomed introduction of the Innovation Act of 2013, H.R. 3309, by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Robert Goodlatte (R-Va.).

"For too long, travel has been among the industries subjected to wasteful, baseless technology infringement lawsuits that undermine businesses' productivity and ability to create jobs," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "Travel is America's No. 1 services export and a leading driver of the U.S. economic recovery, but unscrupulous legal tactics by a few greedy individuals have prevented the industry from performing at its full potential."

The travel community thanked Chairman Goodlatte and his colleagues, including Reps. Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.), Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), Howard Coble (R-N.C.), Peter Defazio (D-Ore.), Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), Blake Farenthold (R-Texas), George Holding (R-N.C.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Tom Marino (R-Pa.) and Lamar Smith (R-Texas), for their leadership in pursuing the much-needed reform.

Earlier this month, U.S. Travel sent a letter, co-signed by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the American Society of Travel Agents and the Travel Technology Association, to House and Senate Judiciary Committee leaders urging action on this issue. View the letter here.

Contact: 
Cathy Keefe 202.408.2183
Chris Kennedy 202.218.3603