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NEWS FEED
Engine Supports Congressional Efforts to Save the Internet
Engine supports congressional Democrats’ efforts to adopt legislation that would reinstate the Federal Communications Commission’s 2015 Open Internet rules.
Engine and Tech:NYC Support Sen. Moran and Warner's Startup Act
Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Mark Warner (D-VA) reintroduced their Startup Act, bipartisan legislation intended to encourage job growth and the creation of new innovative businesses. In 2017, the senators last introduced this legislation, which would accelerate the commercialization of university research, review and improve the regulatory processes at the federal, state and local levels, and modernize an Economic Development Administration (EDA) program designed to promote innovation.
Statement on USPTO Director Iancu’s Speech to the Eastern District of Texas Bar Association
Last week, United States Patent and Trademark Office Director Andrei Iancu gave a speech to the Eastern District of Texas Bar Association, where he implied that patent trolls were not a real problem faced by innovators, but instead just a “narrative” made up to scare away innovators. Not only is this factually inaccurate, but it is troubling that Director Iancu would ignore the overwhelming data showing that low-quality patents have led to a rash of abusive patent litigation directed towards small companies and entrepreneurs over the past decade.
USPTO Weakens Important Program for Fighting Patent Abuse
Earlier this year the USPTO proposed a rule to change the standard, known as BRI, by which patents are evaluated during PTAB reviews. On Wednesday, USPTO announced a final rule that does away with the BRI standard in favor of a more restrictive alternative.
Rescission of International Entrepreneur Rule Bad for Startups
The Trump Administration’s decision to rescind the International Entrepreneur Rule (IER) is deeply disappointing for startups across the country. The rule was enacted to create a pathway for immigrant entrepreneurs to build companies and create jobs in the United States. For an Administration that has promised to spur job growth, this decision is incredibly short-sighted and detrimental to our long-term economic prosperity.
Engine statement on FBI data on encrypted devices
“For months, the FBI has repeatedly claimed that it has more than 7,000 impenetrable phones in its possession to support its argument that tech companies should build backdoors into their encrypted products and services to allow law enforcement access to users’ data.”
Engine Statement on House Judiciary Committee Oversight Hearing of USPTO Director Iancu
Engine Statement on House Judiciary Committee Oversight Hearing of USPTO Director Iancu
Engine statement on the California Consumer Privacy Act
A new consumer privacy proposal in California, while well intentioned, would have a chilling effect on the innovative companies that fuel the state’s startup ecosystem, which is the envy of the world.
Engine Statement on Recent Attacks to our Patent System
Engine’s Statement on Recent Attacks to our Patent System
Statement on Federal Appeals Court Decision on Fair Use
Yesterday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that Google’s use of Oracle’s Java software to create the Android operating system wasn’t protected under copyright law as fair use. The case was sent back to a federal district court to determine how much Google owes Oracle.
Engine's Statement on the Senate Passage of SESTA
Engine's Statement on the Senate Passage of SESTA
Engine Statement on Net Neutrality CRA Resolution
"Engine has long supported the net neutrality principles enshrined in the FCC’s 2015 Open Internet Order because they preserved the Internet as a level playing field where companies of all sizes, including startups, can compete on their merits to reach consumers and grow their user base."
Engine's Statement on House Rules Committee Consideration of H.R. 1865
Engine's statement following the announcement from the House Committee on Rules to consider H.R. 1865, the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA) on Monday, February 26th and the proposed amendment by Rep. Walters to include language from the Senate’s Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA)
Engine Statement on Reports of 5G Nationalization Proposal
"Engine joins Chairman Greg Walden, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and the other members of the FCC in warning against the Trump administration’s reported discussions of nationalizing the developing 5G wireless networks.
Engine Statement on Senate Measure to Oppose Net Neutrality Repeal
"Engine is thrilled to see the swell of support behind Sen. Ed Markey’s measure that formally opposes the Federal Communications Commission’s vote late last year to repeal the agency’s 2015 net neutrality rules.
Congratulations to the new United States Patent and Trademark Office Director
Engine congratulates Andrei Iancu on his Senate confirmation to the position of U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director, and we look forward to working with him to ensure that the country’s patent system works for everyone.
Engine Statement on Net Neutrality Vote
“The Federal Communications Commission voted today to strip the critical protections that made the Internet a level playing field for startups. With its rushed, party-line decision to repeal the 2015 Open Internet Order, the Commission is ignoring the pleas of innovators, investors, and everyday users to keep the Internet free and open"
Engine Supports Changes to House Sex Trafficking Bill
Sex trafficking is a heinous and tragic crime. It requires a thoughtful solution that gives prosecutors the tools they need to seek justice for victims and enables the private sector to assist in identifying and dealing with bad actors.
Engine Supports Pro-Privacy Online Surveillance Reforms
Engine applauds the efforts of lawmakers -- including members of the House Judiciary Committee and Sens. Patrick Leahy and Mike Lee -- for pushing legislation that bolsters privacy, transparency, and oversight protections in an expiring online surveillance law.