NRF weighs in on Innovation Act

The National Retail Federation's SVP, David French, has released a statement welcoming the House's passage of H.R. 3309, also known as the Innovation Act, which seeks to protect retailers against patent trolls.

“The National Retail Federation is pleased that the House has strongly supported the enactment of the patent litigation reform," said French. "This has been and continues to be a top priority for the retail industry and our diverse membership."

“The Innovation Act will provide Main Street merchants and retailers protection against frivolous patent infringement claims and costly litigation derived from deceptive patent trolls."

“NRF will continue its collaboration with other end-user organizations, including the American Hotel & Lodging Association, Association for Convenience & Fuel Retailing, Food Marketing Institute, Internet Association, National Council of Chain Restaurants, National Restaurant Association and Retail Industry Leadership Association, and direct its attention to the Senate to ensure that the bill becomes law," he concluded.

The Act, which would require more specificity in lawsuits and create greater transparency surrounding financial interests, passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 325 to 91 on Dec. 5.