A bill to amend title 35, United States Code, to provide a good faith exception to the imposition of fines for false assertions and certifications, and for other purposes.

12/18/2024, 7:56 PM

This bill creates a good faith exception to certain fines imposed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Currently, the USPTO may reduce patent-related fees for small and micro entities, and an entity that falsely claims a fee reduction shall be subject to a fine. This bill exempts an entity from such a fine if the entity made a good faith assertion or certification that the entity was entitled to a fee reduction.

Bill 118 s 3960, also known as the "Good Faith Exception Act," aims to amend title 35 of the United States Code in order to provide a good faith exception to the imposition of fines for false assertions and certifications. The bill seeks to address situations where individuals or entities unintentionally make false statements or certifications, and to prevent them from being penalized with fines.

The main purpose of this bill is to protect individuals and businesses who may have made false assertions or certifications due to genuine mistakes or misunderstandings, rather than with the intent to deceive or defraud. By providing a good faith exception, the bill aims to promote fairness and prevent undue financial burdens on those who may have acted in good faith.

In addition to the good faith exception, the bill may also include provisions for other purposes related to false assertions and certifications within title 35 of the United States Code. These additional provisions could potentially address issues such as enforcement mechanisms, reporting requirements, or other related matters. Overall, Bill 118 s 3960 seeks to strike a balance between holding individuals and entities accountable for false statements while also recognizing and protecting those who may have acted in good faith. The bill aims to promote integrity and fairness in the enforcement of laws related to false assertions and certifications within title 35 of the United States Code.
Congress
118

Number
S - 3960

Introduced on
2024-03-14

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

6/20/2024

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Passed in Senate
To President
Signed by President
Became Public Law

Purpose and Summary

This bill creates a good faith exception to certain fines imposed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Currently, the USPTO may reduce patent-related fees for small and micro entities, and an entity that falsely claims a fee reduction shall be subject to a fine. This bill exempts an entity from such a fine if the entity made a good faith assertion or certification that the entity was entitled to a fee reduction.

Bill 118 s 3960, also known as the "Good Faith Exception Act," aims to amend title 35 of the United States Code in order to provide a good faith exception to the imposition of fines for false assertions and certifications. The bill seeks to address situations where individuals or entities unintentionally make false statements or certifications, and to prevent them from being penalized with fines.

The main purpose of this bill is to protect individuals and businesses who may have made false assertions or certifications due to genuine mistakes or misunderstandings, rather than with the intent to deceive or defraud. By providing a good faith exception, the bill aims to promote fairness and prevent undue financial burdens on those who may have acted in good faith.

In addition to the good faith exception, the bill may also include provisions for other purposes related to false assertions and certifications within title 35 of the United States Code. These additional provisions could potentially address issues such as enforcement mechanisms, reporting requirements, or other related matters. Overall, Bill 118 s 3960 seeks to strike a balance between holding individuals and entities accountable for false statements while also recognizing and protecting those who may have acted in good faith. The bill aims to promote integrity and fairness in the enforcement of laws related to false assertions and certifications within title 35 of the United States Code.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to amend title 35, United States Code, to provide a good faith exception to the imposition of fines for false assertions and certifications, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Commerce

Potential Impact
Civil actions and liability•
Fraud offenses and financial crimes•
Licensing and registrations

Comments

APPROVED
RB
Royce Benson
@fines_herbes_chervil_cabbage25486
this bill is so bad, why do they want to do this? who does it even help?

APPROVED
JB
Jake Berg
@salal_berry_nigella_boldo80434
I'm so excited about this new bill! It's gonna make sure people aren't getting fined for making mistakes in good faith. This bill is gonna help protect folks who are trying their best to follow the rules. I think it's gonna make a big difference in h...

Recent Activity

Latest Summary12/2/2024

This bill creates a good faith exception to certain fines imposed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Currently, the USPTO may reduce patent-related fees for small and micro entities, and an entity that falsely claims a fee redu...


Latest Action12/17/2024
Became Public Law No: 118-151.