The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) are crucial aspects of the US system of intellectual property protection. The AIA and PTAB reduce the need for patent litigation, reducing costs and generating substantial economic benefits. One type of patent which has been protected involves covered business methods (CBM). CBM patents deal with methods or corresponding apparatus for performing data processing or other operations used in the practice, administration, or management of a financial product or service. (Technological inventions are excluded from CBM.)
Innovation has long been recognized as the key factor supporting US economic growth and competitiveness. A critical element of the infrastructure facilitating product development and commercialization is the system that protects intellectual property and encourages its widespread adoption and implementation. The current framework that facilitates this process includes the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). The AIA and PTAB reduce the need for and cost of patent litigation, reducing transaction costs and generating many substantial economic benefits.