Comstock’s bipartisan bill seeks to open up U.S. patents to underrepresented entrepreneurs

U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA) has introduced bipartisan legislation that would close the gender, race and income gaps and level the playing field for underrepresented entrepreneurs who want to obtain small business patents.

The Study of Underrepresented Classes Chasing Engineering and Science Success (SUCCESS) Act of 2018, H.R. 6390, which Rep. Comstock introduced on July 16 with U.S. Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC), would direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to study and identify best practices for closing these gaps in patenting rates for certain small business concerns, among other purposes, according to the bill’s text in the congressional record.

“Inventors and entrepreneurs are drivers of economic growth and innovation in the United States,” said Rep. Comstock. “To ensure that we continue to have the best ideas possible competing with one another, we must be constantly improving an economic environment that welcomes a diverse group of entrepreneurs who bring a variety of life experiences to the table.”

The congresswoman pointed to a 2017 study showing that women hold less than 20 percent of all U.S. patents, while racial minorities hold between 8 percent and 13 percent of all U.S. patents. The SBA study that would be authorized under H.R. 6390 “will be critical in developing policies to help these underrepresented groups further engage in the entrepreneurial activities that are the backbone of our American economy,” according to a July 19 statement from Rep. Comstock’s office.

“In a global economy that gets more competitive by the day, we increasingly rely on innovative technologies, often developed by our small businesses, for the United States to continue leading the world,” said Rep. Comstock. “This legislation is a strong step forward in making sure underrepresented groups have the best opportunity to succeed as entrepreneurs, small business owners, and innovators themselves.”

Rep. Adams agreed, saying the United States is “the world’s leader for innovation and entrepreneurship,” as well as “a breeding ground for the best ideas and creative approaches” for improving Americans’ quality of life. “This is why we must ensure that all people have an equal opportunity to compete for patents,” she said.

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) is among the seven cosponsors of H.R. 6390, which is endorsed by the National Association of Women Business Owners.

H.R. 6390 has been referred for consideration to both the U.S. House Small Business Committee and the U.S. House Judiciary Committee.