Patently-O Bits and Bytes No. 2

• Patent Reform: A draft report on S.1145 is available here.  [via PatentDocs]. Although currently supported by more Democrats than Republicans, this is a bipartisan bill that could pass. A summary:
• Change the system to a “first-inventor-to-file” system;
• Reduce patent damage awards;
• Enhance post-grant opposition proceedings;
• Provide for publication of all applications;
• Allow for better third-party submissions;
• Limit patent infringement venues;
• Allow the PTO to set its own fees;
• Remove the residency restriction for judges on the United States Court of Appeals for the
  Federal Circuit;
• Authorize USPTO to require pre-filing patent searches and explanations;
• Re-vamp the doctrine of inequitable conduct;
• Clarify the rules on unintentional delays in filing;
• Limit patent infringement liability for electronic check processing;and
• End USPTO “fee diversion”.
• Patent Reform: Remember, the House has already passed the companion bill. Passage could allow President Bush to ride out of office as the innovation president.
• Patent Baristas discusses PTO’s “Suspicious Behavior” in the Tafas case.