The American Gaming Association has begun a lobbying campaign targeting “patent trolls,” parties that file frivolous lawsuits claiming patent infringement in hopes that gaming suppliers settle claims to avoid costly litigation.
Speaking at a forum hosted by the R Street Institute in Washington, D.C., AGA Vice President of Government Relations Whitaker Askew delivered a statement on behalf of the AGA, the Credit Union National Association and the Main Street Patent Coalition, calling on Congress to pass comprehensive patent reform.
“Main street businesses are the economic engine that stimulate growth, jobs and innovation in this country,” Askew said. “We owe it to them to have a fair, cost-effective process in place to help protect against predatory patent trolls and the frivolous litigation they assert.
“Patent trolls do not create jobs or innovation. The gaming industry is proud to be an innovative, major American economic driver, supporting more than 1 million U.S. jobs. Passing comprehensive patent reform legislation that curbs patent trolls is important to removing unnecessary and costly hindrances on American businesses.”
