Legislative Advocacy
AIPLA has been a visible and respected presence throughout the years whenever changes to the law are taking shape. We continue to advocate for the interests of our members and provide a strong collective voice to Congress.
Here you will find out what is happening on Capitol Hill and what positions AIPLA has taken:
Below you can explore AIPLA's Statements and Testimonies in current and past Congresses
119th Congress
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AIPLA Submits Letter to US Senate Judiciary Committee on Squires Nomination to the USPTO
June 16, 2025
Arlington, VA. June 11, 2025 –The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted a letter in response to the nomination of John A. Squires as Director of the United States Patent & Trademark Office (“USPTO”). In view of his impressive background, AIPLA believes Mr. Squires is fully capable of undertaking this important role and appreciates the Senate Judiciary Committee giving this nominee prompt consideration. -
AIPLA and IPO Issue Joint Letter to Congress Urging Action to Reduce Patent Backlog
February 4, 2025
In a joint letter, AIPLA and IPO urged Congress to ensure the USPTO has the resources and flexibility needed to address its patent application backlog, which has reached 826,000. The letter notes that timely patent examination is essential to US innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness, yet recent executive actions—such as a hiring freeze, return-to-office mandates, and employee buyouts—may impact the USPTO’s operations. Unlike other agencies, the USPTO is funded by user fees, not taxpayer dollars, and must retain resources to process applications efficiently. Restrictive policies could slow innovation, weaken IP protection, and harm US economic leadership. Secretary of Commerce nominee Howard Lutnick has acknowledged the urgency of reducing delays, and we support efforts to strengthen the USPTO’s capacity. AIPLA and IPO welcome the opportunity to work with Congress on legislative and administrative solutions that support American inventors and businesses.
118th Congress
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AIPLA Issues Letter in Support of the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act of 2023
December 11, 2023
Arlington, VA. November 14, 2023 - The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted a letter in support S. 2140, the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act of 2023. -
AIPLA Submits Letter in Support of the Promoting and Respecting Economically Vital American Innovation Leadership (PREVAIL) Act
November 9, 2023
Arlington, VA. November 7, 2023 - The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted a letter to the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property in support of S. 2220, the “Promoting and Respecting Economically Vital American Innovation Leadership Act” (PREVAIL Act), as introduced in the 118th Congress. -
AIPLA Co-Signs Letter in Support of NDAA Provisions
October 16, 2023
On September 14, 2023, AIPLA co-signed a letter in support of Senator Chuck Grassley's NDAA provisions regarding CBP authority to disclose enforcement information. -
AIPLA Issues Letter in Support of Deborah Robinson's Nomination to be the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator
September 15, 2023
On September 14, 2023, The American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding Deborah Robinson’s nomination to be the United States Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC). In view of her impressive background, AIPLA believes Ms. Robinson will be highly successful in this role and appreciates the Judiciary Committee giving this nomination prompt consideration.
117th Congress
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AIPLA Endorses Judge Leonard P. Stark for Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
December 16, 2021
On December 16, 2021, the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted a letter to Chair Richard J. Durbin and Ranking Member Charles E. Grassley of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary in support of Judge Leonard P. Stark's nomination of Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The letter outlined the Association's White Paper ("Recommendations Regarding Nomination of Judges to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit" dated September 2018), concluding that Judge Stark not only meets the criteria, but would bring essential experience to the Court. The letter provides an enthusiastic endorsement of Judge Stark, urging the Senate to move forward with his confirmation. -
AIPLA Submits Joint Letter to House of Representatives Expressing Concern Regarding Resource Appropriation for USPTO
December 1, 2021
On December 1, 2021, the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) and the Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO) submitted a joint letter to House Committee members Chair DeLauro, Ranking Member Granger, Chair Cartwright, and Ranking Member Aderholt expressing concern regarding resources appropriated to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in FY 2022. The joint letter urged the House to pass a funding measure that reflects the intent of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act to fund the USPTO at a level equal to fee collection estimates. -
AIPLA Urges Senate to Confirm Katherine (Kathi) Vidal as Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO
November 30, 2021
On November 30, 2021, the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) submitted a letter to Chair Richard J. Durbin and Ranking Member Charles E. Grassley of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary in support of Katherine (Kathi) Vidal’s nomination of Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The letter outlined components of the set of criteria that AIPLA used to address the needed qualifications for an individual appointed to serve as the leader of the USPTO, concluding that Ms. Vidal possesses such qualifications.
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AIPLA Submits Joint Letter to House Committee on Ways and Means Regarding Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights at the Border
November 10, 2021
On November 10, 2021, AIPLA, alongside nine other entities, joined on a letter to House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal and Ranking Member Kevin Brady regarding enforcement of intellectual property rights at the border. The letter expressed concern with the flow of counterfeit goods across the United States border, calling for stronger, more effective trade enforcement and information sharing with the private sector. The letter encouraged support for pending legislation, including key provisions which will clarify CBP’s ability to share information with rights holders. -
AIPLA Submits Joint Letter Expressing Concern About USPTO Funding in FY 2022
July 29, 2021
On July 29, 2021, the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) and the Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO) submitted a joint letter to Senators Leahy, Shaheen, Tillis, and Moran expressing concern over resources appropriated to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in FY 2022. The letter asserted that it is imperative for the USPTO to receive access to all its fees, urging passage of a funding measure that reflects the intent of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act to fund the USPTO at a level equal to fee collection estimates. -
AIPLA Endorses Nomination of Tiffany P. Cunningham to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
June 15, 2021
On June 15, 2021, AIPLA submitted a letter to the Honorable Richard J. Durbin and the Honorable Charles L. Grassley, Chair and Ranking Member, respectively, of the Committee on the Judiciary. This letter supported the nomination of Tiffany P. Cunningham, President Biden's nominee for Circuit Judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. AIPLA wrote that Ms. Cunningham’s background and professional experience demonstrate that she is qualified to serve in that position, and that she would make an excellent addition to the Federal Circuit. -
AIPLA Submits Comments in Response to the Discussion Draft of The Digital Copyright Act (“DCA”)
March 22, 2021
On March 22, 2021, AIPLA submitted comments to Senator Thom Tillis in response to the discussion draft of The Digital Copyright Act (“DCA”) of 2021. AIPLA’s comments largely mirror and reflect AIPLA’s positions expressed on prior occasions, with comments directed to the concepts addressed and not to any specific proposed language. AIPLA’s comments support the concept of advancing the DMCA towards a “notice-and-staydown” regime. AIPLA also advocates further study into the use of a standardized unique identifier that would more effectively identify content. -
Support for the Inventor Diversity for Economic Advancement Act ("IDEA") Act of 2021
March 2, 2021
AIPLA is pleased to support the Inventor Diversity for Economic Advancement Act (“IDEA”) Act of 2021. We appreciate the Committee’s continued interest in improving inventor diversity and urge you to move forward with the legislation.
116th Congress
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AIPLA's Comments on the H.R. 6196, the Trademark Modernization Act of 2020
September 8, 2020
AIPLA supports the Trademark Modernization Act, legislation amending the federal Lanham Act to authorize the administrative invalidation by the Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office of registrations covering marks that either have never been used in commerce, or are not used in commerce by the relevant date under the statute for obtaining a registration. -
AIPLA-IPO Joint Letter to Senate Judiciary Committee in Support of Counterfeit Goods Seizure Act
December 9, 2019
The American Intellectual Property Law Association submitted a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of the Counterfeit Goods Seizure Act of 2019. -
AIPLA Letter in Support for S. 2281, the “Inventor Diversity for Economic Advancement Act (“IDEA”) Act of 2019
September 24, 2019
The American Intellectual Property Law Association (“AIPLA”) is pleased to support S. 2281, the “Inventor Diversity for Economic Advancement Act (“IDEA”) Act of 2019. -
Letter to the House Judiciary Committee regarding July 2019 "Counterfeits and Cluttering" Hearing
September 9, 2019
The American Intellectual Property Law Association submitted a letter to the House Judiciary Committee presenting its views on the subject matter of the July 2019 "Counterfeits and Cluttering: Emerging Threats to the Integrity of the Trademark System and the Impact on American Consumers and Businesses." -
Letter to the House Judiciary Committee in Support of the CASE Act of 2019
September 8, 2019
The American Intellectual Property Law Association submitted a letter to the House Judiciary Committee in support of the H.R. 3945, the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2019. -
Letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee in Support of the CASE Act of 2019
July 15, 2019
The American Intellectual Property Law Association submitted a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of S. 1273, the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement (“CASE”) Act of 2019. -
AIPLA & IPO Joint Letter Thanking Congress for Examining the State of Patent Subject Matter Eligibility Law
July 9, 2019
The American Intellectual Property Law Association and the Intellectual Property Owners Association (“IPO”) support the bipartisan, bicameral effort to develop a bill that will clarify eligibility law under Section 101. -
Letter to Senate Judiciary Committee With Responses to Questions for the Record - June 2019 Hearing “The State of Patent Eligibility in America: Part II.”
June 26, 2019
The American Intellectual Property Law Association submitted a letter with responses to the questions submitted to us for the record of the June 5th hearing, “The State of Patent Eligibility in America: Part II.” -
Testimony of Barbara A. Fiacco, AIPLA President-Elect, Before the Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on “The State of Patent Eligibility in America: Part II”
June 5, 2019
As one of the fifteen witnesses, AIPLA President-Elect Barbara Fiacco presented the views of the Association during the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Intellectual Property's second of three hearings on “The State of Patent Eligibility in America.” -
Letter to Representative Jeffries in Support of Legislation to Amend Section 2(b) of the Lanham Act
February 15, 2019
The American Intellectual Property Law Association submitted a letter to Representative Jeffries supporting his proposed to amend section 2(b) of the Lanham Act.
115th Congress
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Letter to Senate Committee on Rules and Administration in Support for the Register of Copyrights Selection and Accountability Act of 2017
September 24, 2018
The American Intellectual Property Law Association submitted a letter to the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration supporting H.R. 1695, the Register of Copyrights Selection and Accountability Act of 2017. -
Letter to the House Judiciary Committee in Support of the CASE Act of 2017
September 24, 2018
The American Intellectual Property Law Association submitted a letter to the House Judiciary Committee in support of the H.R. 3945, the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2017. -
Letter to House Judiciary Committee in Support of Extending the USPTO Fee-Setting Authority
September 12, 2018
The American Intellectual Property Law Association submitted a letter to the House Judiciary Committee supporting H.R. 6758, which extends the USPTO’s fee-setting authority for eight years. -
AIPLA/IPO/INTA Letter Urging the Senate Judiciary Committee to Take Up Legislation to Amend the Lanham Act
September 4, 2018
The American Intellectual Property Law Association along with the Intellectual Property Owners Association and the International Trademark Association submitted a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee urging them to take up legislation to amend the Lanham Act to reestablish a consistent principle that would make injunctive remedies available in appropriate cases involving trademark counterfeiting, infringement, dilution, false advertising and cybersquatting. -
Letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee in Support of the Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act
March 13, 2018
The American Intellectual Property Law Association along with the Intellectual Property Owners Association and the International Trademark Association submitted a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of the Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act, which seeks to implement the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled. AIPLA welcomes this important proposed reform and urges its prompt consideration. -
Letter to Senate Judiciary Committee on Andrei Iancu Nomination
December 13, 2017
The American Intellectual Property Law Association submitted a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of the nomination of Andrei Iancu to be the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). -
Letter to Senate Judiciary Committee on Vishal Amin Nomination
May 23, 2017
The American Intellectual Property Law Association submitted a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of the nomination of Vishal Amin’s nomination to be the United States Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator. -
Letter to House Judiciary Committee in Support of the Register of Copyrights Selection and Accountability Act of 2017
March 27, 2017
The American Intellectual Property Law Association submitted a letter to the House Judiciary Committee in Support of H.R. 1695, the “Register of Copyrights Selection and Accountability Act of 2017.” AIPLA welcomes this important proposed reform and urges its prompt consideration. -
Letter to House Judiciary Committee in Response to US Copyright Office Reform Proposal
January 30, 2017
The American Intellectual Property Law Association is pleased to provide comments in response to the House Judiciary Committee’s policy proposal, titled “Reform of the U.S. Copyright Office,” arising from the Committee’s review of US copyright law, released on December 8, 2016 (“Policy Proposal”). AIPLA welcomes the proposed reforms, as set forth in more detail in the letter.
114th Congress
- AIPLA Letter regarding H.R. 10,57, the Promoting Automotive Repair, Trade, and Sales ("PARTS") Act, February 9, 2016 (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter supporting S. 1890, the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2015, December 1, 2015 (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter regarding the Manager's Amendment to H.R. 9, the Innovation Act, June 10, 2015 (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter regarding S. 1137, the PATENT Act, June 2, 2015 (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter regarding the Targeting Rogue and Opaque Letters (TROL) Act, April 27, 2015 (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter regarding the Targeting Rogue and Opaque Letters (TROL) Act, April 21, 2015 (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter Supporting H.R. 1832, the Innovation Protection Act, April 20, 2015 (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter regarding H.R. 9, the Innovation Act, April 16, 2015 (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter regarding the Nomination of Kara Farnandez Stoll to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, March 10, 2015 (PDF)
- AIPLA Statement Before the House Judiciary Committee on "The U.S. Copyright Office: Its Functions and Resources, February 26, 2015 (PDF
113th Congress
- AIPLA Letter regarding the Nomination of Michelle K. Lee to Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, December 9, 2014 (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter regarding the November 18, 2014 Hearing on the USPTO Telework Program, December 4, 2014. (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter regarding the Nomination of the U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator, November 10, 2014 (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter supporting H.R. 5233, the Trade Secrets Protection Act of 2014, September 9, 2014 (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter regarding the Targeting Rogue and Opaque Letters Act, July 9, 2014 (PDF)
- Responses to Written Questions on "Protecting Small Businesses and Promoting Innovation by Limiting Patent Troll Abuse," January 24, 2014 (PDF)
- AIPLA Statement Before the Senate Judiciary Committee on "Protecting Small Businesses and Promoting Innovation by Limiting Patent Troll Abuse," December 17, 2013 (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter to the U.S. House regarding H.R. 3309, the Innovation Act, As Reported, December 4, 2013 (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter to Chairman Goodlatte regarding the Manager's Amendment to H.R. 3309, the Innovation Act, November 18, 2013 (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter Supporting H.R. 3349, the Innovation Protection Act, November 13, 2013 (PDF)
112th Congress
- AIPLA Letter to Senators Leahy and Grassley on S. 3486, To Implement the Provisions of the Hague Agreement and the Patent Law Treaty, September 18, 2012 (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter to U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition, and the Internet Regarding July 18, 2012 Hearing on "The International Trade Commission and Patent Disputes," August 2, 2012 (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter to U.S. House Judiciary Committee Regarding H.R. 6215 - Trademark Dilution, July 31, 2012 (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter to the U.S. Senate in Support for Funding the USPTO in the Continuing Resolution, September 26, 2011. (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter to the U.S. House in Support for Funding the USPTO in the Continuing Resolution, September 21, 2011. (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter to U.S. House Judiciary Committee Regarding Section 22 of Manager's Amendment to H.R. 1249,
June 22, 2011. (PDF) - AIPLA Letter to the House on PTO Revolving Fund in HR 1249, June 9, 2011. (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter to U.S. House Judiciary Committee Regarding H.R. 1249, America Invents Act, April 14, 2011. (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter to the U.S. Senate in Support of USPTO Funding in the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act,
April 12, 2011. (PDF) - AIPLA Letter to the U.S. House in Support of USPTO Funding in the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act,
April 12, 2011. (PDF) - AIPLA Letter to the U.S. Senate in Support of Funding the USPTO in the Continuing Resolution, February 25, 2011. (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter to the U.S. Senate in Support of S. 23, The Patent Reform Act of 2011, February 24, 2011. PDF)
111th Congress
- AIPLA Letter Supporting the UPSTO Surcharge, November 1, 2010. (PDF)
- AIPLA, ABA-IPL, IPO Letter on USPTO funding and Continuing Resolution, September 29, 2010. (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter supporting Supplemental Funding for the USPTO, July 28, 2010.(PDF)
- AIPLA Letter supporting the Nomination of Edward C. DuMont to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, July 16, 2010. (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter on Pharmaceutical Patent Settlement Agreement Provisions in H.R. 4899, 2010 Supplemental Appropriations Bill, July 16, 2010. (PDF)
- AIPLA Comments to Honorable Gary Locke re resources available to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, July 14, 2010. (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter on Nomination of the Honorable Kathleen M. O’Malley to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, May 19, 2010. (PDF)
- AIPLA letter regarding the Patent and Trademark Office Modernization Act of 2010, May 17, 2010. (PDF)
- AIPLA letter supporting the Manager's Amendment to S. 515 "The Patent Reform Act of 2010", April 2, 2010. (PDF)
- AIPLA Letter supporting the “Trademark Technical Improvements Act of 2010,” to make technical and conforming amendments to procedures involving implementation of the Madrid Protocol for the International Registration of Marks, January 25, 2010. (PDF)
- AIPLA letter supporting President Obama’s nomination of Victoria A. Espinel to be this nation’s first United States Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator, November 2, 2009. (PDF)
- AIPLA letter on S. 369, the Preserve Access to Affordable Generics Act, submitted September 9, 2009. (PDF)
- Written statement before the House Subcommittee on the Courts and Competition Policy on follow-on biologics entitled "Biologics and Biosimilars: Balancing Incentives for Innovation," by Teresa Stanek Rea, July 14, 2009. (PDF)
- Patent Reform Legislation Comparison Chart, May 5, 2009 update. (PDF)
- Letter expressing strong support for prompt Floor consideration by the Senate of S. 515, the Patent Reform Act of 2009, submitted April 28, 2009. (PDF)
- AIPLA letter supporting Compromise Amendment to S. 515, April 1, 2009. (PDF)
- AIPLA Fee Diversion Letter, March 28, 2009. (PDF)
- Patent Reform Legislation Comparison Chart, March 17, 2009. (PDF)
- Letter offered in support of H.R. 628, which would establish a pilot program in certain U.S. district courts to encourage the enhancement of expertise in patent cases among district judges, filed February 25, 2009. (PDF)
- AIPLA's Positions on Patent Reform Legislation, February 3, 2009. (PDF)
- Letter offered in support of S. 299, which would establish a pilot program in certain U.S. district courts to encourage the enhancement of expertise in patent cases among district judges, filed January 22, 2009. (PDF)