Lodging Industry Thanks Leahy for Introduction of Patent Troll Legislation
Washington, DC - November 19, 2013 - The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), the sole national association representing all segments of the U.S. lodging industry, issued the following statement following today's introduction of the Patent Transparency and Improvements Act of 2013 by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT):
“The hotel industry is seeing a disturbing rise in the number of frivolous lawsuits filed by predatory entities known as 'patent trolls,' often against small 'mom and pop'-sized businesses without the resources to fight costly legal battles,” said Katherine Lugar, AH&LA president/CEO. “These hotels and other end users are being targeted simply for offering wireless Internet access for guests, safety communications between employees, and online ordering services - and the overall result is an $80 billion hit on our economy each year.”
Lugar continued, “The lodging industry appreciates Chairman Leahy's willingness to work towards providing protections for the rights of legitimate patent holders and address the growing problem of frivolous lawsuits filed by patent trolls against the small businesses that are the foundation of the U.S. economy.”
About AH&LA
Serving the hospitality industry for more than a century, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) is the sole national association representing all sectors and stakeholders in the lodging industry, including individual hotel property members, hotel companies, student and faculty members, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides members with national advocacy on Capitol Hill, public relations and image management, education, research and information, and other value-added services to provide bottom-line savings and ensure a positive business climate for the lodging industry. Partner state associations provide local representation and additional cost-saving benefits to members.
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