WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement expressing concern about the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s (USPTO) decision to withdraw a proposed rule that would have helped restore competition to the pharmaceutical market and lower prescription drug prices for patients:  

“Big Pharma’s greedy tactics force Vermonters to pay outrageous prices for lifesaving drugs. The decision to rescind a rule that would have helped spur innovation and rein in Big Pharma’s anticompetitive practices is misguided and counterproductive,” said Senator Welch. “It’s more crucial than ever that Congress pass our bipartisan legislation to combat Big Pharma’s use of patent thickets. We need to work together to lower costs at the pharmacy counter, and Senators Braun, Klobuchar, and I have the bill to do it.” 

In January, Senators Welch, Mike Braun (R-Ind.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to streamline drug patent litigation, encourage fair market competition, and lower prescription drug prices by making it easier for generic and biosimilar companies to enter the market. The bill codifies the practice that many federal district courts across the country already apply to limit the number of patents or patent claims a company can assert in litigation. Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX-19) introduced companion legislation in the House. Learn more about the bill. 

The Senators previously urged USPTO to quickly finalize the rule that was withdrawn today. 

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