10/9/2009 - IBM (NYSE:IBM) called for swift passage of patent reform legislation Friday, describing it as essential to enabling the nation's continued innovation leadership, which would bolster U.S. competitiveness in the global economy as well as stimulate economic growth. The company affirmed its backing of the Patent Reform Act of 2009 (S. 515) just days after the Obama administration indicated it is supporting the bill. IBM's Senior Vice President of Legal and Regulatory Affairs and General Counsel Robert Weber said, "Technology and the nature of innovation have changed dramatically over the last half-century, but our patent laws have not been significantly updated. We congratulate Secretary Locke and the Administration for their leadership in supporting S. 515 and we urge swift enactment of the patent reform legislation. The debate over patent reform has been both lengthy and constructive, but now it is time to act. Chairman Leahy and other senators have crafted a compromise that enjoys broad support and deserves prompt passage. We support and commend the Chairman's leadership and his pledge to work with the Majority Leader to schedule Senate debate before the end of this year."

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