Preserve integrity of patent system

To the editor:

I attended the recent Iowa Presidential Technology Town Hall in Cedar Rapids, which featured a panel of Iowa technology experts and Q&A with presidential candidates Carly Fiorina and Martin O'Malley.

Despite different backgrounds and different political parties, one thing virtually every speaker seemed to agree on was the utmost importance of technology and innovation in the American economy.

While the forum did cover timely topics like STEM education and tech in relation to national security, there was a significant lack of discussion on the importance of a strong U.S. patent system, a topic so closely tied into these and other industry issues. Strong patents are critical to helping small inventors and businesses alike turn their ideas into marketable reality.

This issue is important to Iowans and the nation as a whole. While blazing the campaign trail, candidates should keep this in mind: the next president must be ready to discuss and preserve the strength and integrity of our patent system. We need to ensure small inventors, many of whom will be trained through critical STEM programs discussed at the town hall, will always be able to bring their ideas to fruition. This approach will better keep our nation at the forefront of innovation.

Frank Morosky

President, Iowa Inventors Group

Cedar Rapids

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