What does Preamble of ETHIC Act do?

This bill is formally titled 'To address patent thickets'.

What does SHORT TITLE. of ETHIC Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Eliminating Thickets to Increase Competition Act.

What does ADDRESSING PATENT THICKETS. of ETHIC Act do?

This section amends Section 271(e) of title 35, United States Code, to limit the number of patents a party can assert in an infringement action. The limitation applies when the action is brought against parties involved in drug or biological product approval processes. Specifically, it restricts parties seeking approval or licensure of drugs or biological products to having no more than one patent per Patent Group asserted in an infringement action. A 'Patent Group' is defined as two or more commonly owned patents or applications linked by disclaimers under section 253. A party cannot bring additional infringement actions against the same party asserting patents within the same Patent Group. The amendment applies to applications submitted on or after the date of enactment of this Act.

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ETHIC Act

Last updated: 5/8/2025 · Introduced: 5/8/2025

Author: Jodey Arrington (R-TX)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill limits the number of patents a party can assert in an infringement lawsuit to one Patent Group when the lawsuit involves parties engaged in drug or biological product approval.
A 'Patent Group' is defined as two or more commonly owned patents or applications linked by disclaimers.
The bill prevents a party from bringing additional infringement actions against the same defendant asserting patents within the same Patent Group.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

3 sections

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