A bill to amend title 35, United States Code, to provide a good faith exception to the imposition of fines for false assertions and certifications, and for other purposes.
Passed by voice vote or unanimous consent — no individual positions were recorded.
Official summary (CRS)Full text on congress.gov ↗
This bill creates a good faith exception to certain fines imposed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Currently, the USPTO may reduce patent-related fees for small and micro entities, and an entity that falsely claims a fee reduction shall be subject to a fine. This bill exempts an entity from such a fine if the entity made a good faith assertion or certification that the entity was entitled to a fee reduction.
Status
3/14/24Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
3/14/24Introduced in Senate
6/20/24Message on Senate action sent to the House.
6/20/24Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4198; text: CR S4198)
6/20/24Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4198; text: CR S4198)
6/20/24Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
6/21/24Held at the desk.
6/21/24Received in the House.
12/3/24Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
12/3/24On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6211)
12/3/24Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6211)
12/3/24DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3960.
12/3/24Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6211-6212)
12/3/24Mr. Issa moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
12/6/24Presented to President.
12/17/24Became Public Law No: 118-151.
12/17/24Signed by President.