If enacted, the #ETHICAct would deny #innovators the ability to protect the full scope of their #inventions. That is a major break from basic principles of #intellectualproperty law.
For more facts, check out our issue brief on the bill:
For more facts, check out our issue brief on the bill:
Myths vs. Facts: The Eliminating Thickets to Increase Competition (ETHIC) Act
c4ip.org
October 1, 2026 at 2:05 PM
If enacted, the #ETHICAct would deny #innovators the ability to protect the full scope of their #inventions. That is a major break from basic principles of #intellectualproperty law.
For more facts, check out our issue brief on the bill:
For more facts, check out our issue brief on the bill:
If enacted, the #ETHICAct would weaken #patent rights, reduce incentives for subsequent #innovation, and create harmful consequences for all #IP-intensive industries.
For more, check out our one-pager on the bill:
For more, check out our one-pager on the bill:
Myths vs. Facts: The ETHIC Act
c4ip.org
June 30, 2026 at 6:17 PM
If enacted, the #ETHICAct would weaken #patent rights, reduce incentives for subsequent #innovation, and create harmful consequences for all #IP-intensive industries.
For more, check out our one-pager on the bill:
For more, check out our one-pager on the bill:
The #ETHICACT targets a problem that isn't substantiated.
#Patent law already contains multiple safeguards to prevent #inventors from extending their length of exclusivity for a given #invention or obvious variations of that invention.
Learn more:
#Patent law already contains multiple safeguards to prevent #inventors from extending their length of exclusivity for a given #invention or obvious variations of that invention.
Learn more:
Myths vs. Facts: The ETHIC Act
c4ip.org
June 14, 2026 at 6:17 PM
The #ETHICACT targets a problem that isn't substantiated.
#Patent law already contains multiple safeguards to prevent #inventors from extending their length of exclusivity for a given #invention or obvious variations of that invention.
Learn more:
#Patent law already contains multiple safeguards to prevent #inventors from extending their length of exclusivity for a given #invention or obvious variations of that invention.
Learn more:
Anti-innovation bills like the #ETHICAct would upend patent prosecution practices, weaken #patent rights, reduce incentives for future R&D into critical lifesaving #technologies and treatments, and create harmful consequences for all #IP-intensive industries.
Read more about the bill:
Read more about the bill:
Myths vs. Facts: The ETHIC Act
c4ip.org
August 10, 2026 at 2:18 PM
Anti-innovation bills like the #ETHICAct would upend patent prosecution practices, weaken #patent rights, reduce incentives for future R&D into critical lifesaving #technologies and treatments, and create harmful consequences for all #IP-intensive industries.
Read more about the bill:
Read more about the bill:
Read our new letter to the House Judiciary #IP Subcommittee correcting several misleading claims that underpin the #ETHICAct:
"Any discussion of the ETHIC Act should proceed from an accurate understanding of continuation practice, obviousness-type double #patenting, and terminal disclaimers..."
"Any discussion of the ETHIC Act should proceed from an accurate understanding of continuation practice, obviousness-type double #patenting, and terminal disclaimers..."
C4IP Letter to House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet RE: Hearing on Medicines and IP
c4ip.org
September 17, 2026 at 2:26 PM
Read our new letter to the House Judiciary #IP Subcommittee correcting several misleading claims that underpin the #ETHICAct:
"Any discussion of the ETHIC Act should proceed from an accurate understanding of continuation practice, obviousness-type double #patenting, and terminal disclaimers..."
"Any discussion of the ETHIC Act should proceed from an accurate understanding of continuation practice, obviousness-type double #patenting, and terminal disclaimers..."
How would the #ETHICAct harm the U.S. #innovation ecosystem?
The bill would undermine #investment incentives, chill post-approval #innovation, distort the #patent system, unravel technology-agnostic patent #policy, and sabotage U.S. #biotechnology leadership.
For more info, read our blog post:
The bill would undermine #investment incentives, chill post-approval #innovation, distort the #patent system, unravel technology-agnostic patent #policy, and sabotage U.S. #biotechnology leadership.
For more info, read our blog post:
Why C4IP Opposes the ETHIC Act (S. 2276)
The Eliminating Thickets to Increase Competition (ETHIC) Act aims to eliminate so-called “patent thickets” in the prescription drug market — when companies allegedly seek multiple patents on trivial…
c4ip.org
June 18, 2026 at 2:18 PM
How would the #ETHICAct harm the U.S. #innovation ecosystem?
The bill would undermine #investment incentives, chill post-approval #innovation, distort the #patent system, unravel technology-agnostic patent #policy, and sabotage U.S. #biotechnology leadership.
For more info, read our blog post:
The bill would undermine #investment incentives, chill post-approval #innovation, distort the #patent system, unravel technology-agnostic patent #policy, and sabotage U.S. #biotechnology leadership.
For more info, read our blog post:
✉️ Read the latest edition of our newsletter!
This month's edition highlights a few upcoming #IP-related events, outlines the latest updates in the world of IP #policy, spotlights the #inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, fact checks assumptions underlying the #ETHICAct, and much more.
This month's edition highlights a few upcoming #IP-related events, outlines the latest updates in the world of IP #policy, spotlights the #inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, fact checks assumptions underlying the #ETHICAct, and much more.
IP Policy Roundup | Edition 42
March Highlights: Countering Chinese Threats to IP In March, China released its 15th Five-Year Plan — an economic policy roadmap that envisages how China can surpass America in innovation and “seize…
c4ip.org
April 8, 2026 at 2:18 PM
✉️ Read the latest edition of our newsletter!
This month's edition highlights a few upcoming #IP-related events, outlines the latest updates in the world of IP #policy, spotlights the #inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, fact checks assumptions underlying the #ETHICAct, and much more.
This month's edition highlights a few upcoming #IP-related events, outlines the latest updates in the world of IP #policy, spotlights the #inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, fact checks assumptions underlying the #ETHICAct, and much more.
The #ETHICAct would upend patent prosecution practices that have evolved to make the process manageable.
Additionally, the bill would actively disincentivize #innovation, resulting in fewer advances that benefit patients and ultimately become available in generic forms.
Learn more:
Additionally, the bill would actively disincentivize #innovation, resulting in fewer advances that benefit patients and ultimately become available in generic forms.
Learn more:
Fact Check: House Judiciary Subcommittee on the ETHIC Act
The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet recently held a hearing titled “Medicines and IP: Balancing Innovation and Access.” During…
c4ip.org
September 14, 2026 at 6:17 PM
The #ETHICAct would upend patent prosecution practices that have evolved to make the process manageable.
Additionally, the bill would actively disincentivize #innovation, resulting in fewer advances that benefit patients and ultimately become available in generic forms.
Learn more:
Additionally, the bill would actively disincentivize #innovation, resulting in fewer advances that benefit patients and ultimately become available in generic forms.
Learn more:
Lowering medication costs is a worthy goal. But weakening the #patent system that drives new treatments is not the answer.
Congress should oppose bills like the #ETHICAct and instead focus on strengthening the #IP system that fuels life-changing U.S. #innovation.
Learn more about the bill:
Congress should oppose bills like the #ETHICAct and instead focus on strengthening the #IP system that fuels life-changing U.S. #innovation.
Learn more about the bill:
Fact Check: House Judiciary Subcommittee on the ETHIC Act
The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet recently held a hearing titled “Medicines and IP: Balancing Innovation and Access.” During…
c4ip.org
August 16, 2026 at 8:16 PM
Lowering medication costs is a worthy goal. But weakening the #patent system that drives new treatments is not the answer.
Congress should oppose bills like the #ETHICAct and instead focus on strengthening the #IP system that fuels life-changing U.S. #innovation.
Learn more about the bill:
Congress should oppose bills like the #ETHICAct and instead focus on strengthening the #IP system that fuels life-changing U.S. #innovation.
Learn more about the bill:
📜 Why do we oppose the #ETHICAct?
The bill would limit the number of related #patents that can be asserted in infringement cases, even when those patents cover distinct, non-overlapping aspects of the same disclosure.
For more:
c4ip.org/council-for-...
The bill would limit the number of related #patents that can be asserted in infringement cases, even when those patents cover distinct, non-overlapping aspects of the same disclosure.
For more:
c4ip.org/council-for-...
August 3, 2026 at 2:16 PM
📜 Why do we oppose the #ETHICAct?
The bill would limit the number of related #patents that can be asserted in infringement cases, even when those patents cover distinct, non-overlapping aspects of the same disclosure.
For more:
c4ip.org/council-for-...
The bill would limit the number of related #patents that can be asserted in infringement cases, even when those patents cover distinct, non-overlapping aspects of the same disclosure.
For more:
c4ip.org/council-for-...
The #ETHICAct targets a problem that is not substantiated, according to reports from the #USPTO.
Groups of #patents utilizing terminal disclaimers aren't anti-competitive "thickets," but evidence that the patent system's existing safeguards are already working effectively.
More info:
Groups of #patents utilizing terminal disclaimers aren't anti-competitive "thickets," but evidence that the patent system's existing safeguards are already working effectively.
More info:
Why C4IP Opposes the ETHIC Act (S. 2276) | Council for Innovation Promotion (C4IP)
The Eliminating Thickets to Increase Competition (ETHIC) Act aims to eliminate so-called “patent thickets” in the prescription drug market — when companies allegedly seek multiple patents on trivial…
c4ip.org
June 10, 2026 at 8:10 PM
The #ETHICAct targets a problem that is not substantiated, according to reports from the #USPTO.
Groups of patents utilizing terminal disclaimers aren't anti-competitive "thickets," but evidence that the #patent system's existing safeguards are already working effectively.
For more info:
Groups of patents utilizing terminal disclaimers aren't anti-competitive "thickets," but evidence that the #patent system's existing safeguards are already working effectively.
For more info:
Why C4IP Opposes the ETHIC Act (S. 2276) | Council for Innovation Promotion (C4IP)
The Eliminating Thickets to Increase Competition (ETHIC) Act aims to eliminate so-called “patent thickets” in the prescription drug market — when companies allegedly seek multiple patents on trivial…
c4ip.org
June 6, 2026 at 6:17 PM
"Drug affordability is a real and serious concern for American families. But as #Congress considers proposals to weaken pharmaceutical patents, like the #ETHICAct, it should also recognize this: the #UnitedStates leads the world in developing new medicines, and that leadership is not accidental."
June 4, 2026 at 4:09 PM
"Drug affordability is a real and serious concern for American families. But as #Congress considers proposals to weaken pharmaceutical patents, like the #ETHICAct, it should also recognize this: the #UnitedStates leads the world in developing new medicines, and that leadership is not accidental."
✖️ Myth: The #ETHICAct simply prevents companies from "stacking" patents in #litigation.
✅ Fact: The bill would do far more than that. It would sharply restrict the ability to enforce valid patents by allowing #inventors to assert only one #patent from a family in court.
Learn more:
✅ Fact: The bill would do far more than that. It would sharply restrict the ability to enforce valid patents by allowing #inventors to assert only one #patent from a family in court.
Learn more:
Myths vs. Facts: The ETHIC Act
c4ip.org
June 2, 2026 at 6:17 PM
✖️ Myth: The #ETHICAct simply prevents companies from "stacking" patents in #litigation.
✅ Fact: The bill would do far more than that. It would sharply restrict the ability to enforce valid patents by allowing #inventors to assert only one #patent from a family in court.
Learn more:
✅ Fact: The bill would do far more than that. It would sharply restrict the ability to enforce valid patents by allowing #inventors to assert only one #patent from a family in court.
Learn more:
Want to learn more about #IP rights?
Explore our blog, which features hundreds of posts on a wide range of IP-related topics, including a fact-check of the primary assumptions underlying the #ETHICAct, a spotlight on the #inventors of the sports bra, an essay on #PTAB reform, and much more.
Explore our blog, which features hundreds of posts on a wide range of IP-related topics, including a fact-check of the primary assumptions underlying the #ETHICAct, a spotlight on the #inventors of the sports bra, an essay on #PTAB reform, and much more.
Blog | Council for Innovation Promotion
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office just concluded a three-part listening session series on reforming the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB),...
c4ip.org
May 27, 2026 at 2:18 PM
Want to learn more about #IP rights?
Explore our blog, which features hundreds of posts on a wide range of IP-related topics, including a fact-check of the primary assumptions underlying the #ETHICAct, a spotlight on the #inventors of the sports bra, an essay on #PTAB reform, and much more.
Explore our blog, which features hundreds of posts on a wide range of IP-related topics, including a fact-check of the primary assumptions underlying the #ETHICAct, a spotlight on the #inventors of the sports bra, an essay on #PTAB reform, and much more.
#ICYMI, C4IP's statement opposing the #ETHICAct and debunking the myth of "patent thickets" was cited in an IPWatchdog article on the bill.
The ETHIC Act is predicated on this misleading narrative that aims to weaken #patent enforcement.
Read the article here:
The ETHIC Act is predicated on this misleading narrative that aims to weaken #patent enforcement.
Read the article here:
Consumer, Patient Groups Push for Fast Markup of ETHIC Act
A number of groups and individuals have submitted a letter to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee urging members to quickly advance the “Eliminating Thickets to Increase Competition (ETHIC) Act."
ipwatchdog.com
May 20, 2026 at 6:17 PM
Proponents of the #ETHICAct have claimed that it will promote competition, preserve #innovation, and benefit patients.
In reality, the "patent thicket" narrative that the bill rests on is a #myth. Far from benefiting #patients, it would undermine incentives for life-saving innovation.
Learn more:
In reality, the "patent thicket" narrative that the bill rests on is a #myth. Far from benefiting #patients, it would undermine incentives for life-saving innovation.
Learn more:
Fact Check: The ETHIC Act Targets a Problem That Doesn't Exist
Congress is considering a bill, the Eliminating Thickets to Increase Competition (ETHIC) Act, that would undermine innovation by preventing patent owners from enforcing many of their rightfully…
c4ip.org
May 3, 2026 at 6:17 PM
Proponents of the #ETHICAct have claimed that it will promote competition, preserve #innovation, and benefit patients.
In reality, the "patent thicket" narrative that the bill rests on is a #myth. Far from benefiting #patients, it would undermine incentives for life-saving innovation.
Learn more:
In reality, the "patent thicket" narrative that the bill rests on is a #myth. Far from benefiting #patients, it would undermine incentives for life-saving innovation.
Learn more:
✖️ Myth: The #ETHICAct would benefit #patients.
✅ Fact: The lack of evidence that #patentthickets are a significant barrier to competition directly undermines ETHIC Act proponents' claims that the #bill is a necessary reform to promote competition and reduce drug prices.
For more myths and facts:
✅ Fact: The lack of evidence that #patentthickets are a significant barrier to competition directly undermines ETHIC Act proponents' claims that the #bill is a necessary reform to promote competition and reduce drug prices.
For more myths and facts:
Fact Check: The ETHIC Act Targets a Problem That Doesn't Exist
Congress is considering a bill, the Eliminating Thickets to Increase Competition (ETHIC) Act, that would undermine innovation by preventing patent owners from enforcing many of their rightfully…
c4ip.org
April 19, 2026 at 8:16 PM
✖️ Myth: The #ETHICAct would benefit #patients.
✅ Fact: The lack of evidence that #patentthickets are a significant barrier to competition directly undermines ETHIC Act proponents' claims that the #bill is a necessary reform to promote competition and reduce drug prices.
For more myths and facts:
✅ Fact: The lack of evidence that #patentthickets are a significant barrier to competition directly undermines ETHIC Act proponents' claims that the #bill is a necessary reform to promote competition and reduce drug prices.
For more myths and facts:
📬 Don't miss the latest #IP policy news! Read the latest edition of our newsletter.
In it, we spotlight historical #inventors and #inventions, examine the rise of #China as an #innovation powerhouse, fact-check claims about the #ETHICAct, highlight upcoming #IP-related events, and much more.
In it, we spotlight historical #inventors and #inventions, examine the rise of #China as an #innovation powerhouse, fact-check claims about the #ETHICAct, highlight upcoming #IP-related events, and much more.
IP Policy Roundup | Edition 42
March Highlights: Countering Chinese Threats to IP In March, China released its 15th Five-Year Plan — an economic policy roadmap that envisages how China can surpass America in innovation and “seize…
c4ip.org
April 17, 2026 at 6:17 PM
📬 Don't miss the latest #IP policy news! Read the latest edition of our newsletter.
In it, we spotlight historical #inventors and #inventions, examine the rise of #China as an #innovation powerhouse, fact-check claims about the #ETHICAct, highlight upcoming #IP-related events, and much more.
In it, we spotlight historical #inventors and #inventions, examine the rise of #China as an #innovation powerhouse, fact-check claims about the #ETHICAct, highlight upcoming #IP-related events, and much more.
IPWatchdog highlighted our statement urging Congress to reject the #ETHICAct and debunking myths about so-called #patentthickets.
"In reality, many #patents can be necessary to capture the full scope of all the #inventions in sophisticated and complicated products..."
Read more:
"In reality, many #patents can be necessary to capture the full scope of all the #inventions in sophisticated and complicated products..."
Read more:
Consumer, Patient Groups Push for Fast Markup of ETHIC Act
A number of groups and individuals have submitted a letter to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee urging members to quickly advance the “Eliminating Thickets to Increase Competition (ETHIC) Act."
ipwatchdog.com
April 17, 2026 at 2:21 PM
IPWatchdog highlighted our statement urging Congress to reject the #ETHICAct and debunking myths about so-called #patentthickets.
"In reality, many #patents can be necessary to capture the full scope of all the #inventions in sophisticated and complicated products..."
Read more:
"In reality, many #patents can be necessary to capture the full scope of all the #inventions in sophisticated and complicated products..."
Read more:
📜 Why do we oppose the #ETHICAct?
The bill would limit the number of related #patents that can be asserted in #infringement cases, even when those patents cover distinct, non-overlapping aspects of the same disclosure.
For more:
The bill would limit the number of related #patents that can be asserted in #infringement cases, even when those patents cover distinct, non-overlapping aspects of the same disclosure.
For more:
Council for Innovation Promotion Urges Congress to Oppose the ETHIC Act
WASHINGTON (August 5, 2025) — Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Josh Hawley (R-MO), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) recently introduced the Eliminating Thickets to Increase Competition (ETHIC) Act, S. 2276, in…
c4ip.org
March 29, 2026 at 8:16 PM
📜 Why do we oppose the #ETHICAct?
The bill would limit the number of related #patents that can be asserted in #infringement cases, even when those patents cover distinct, non-overlapping aspects of the same disclosure.
For more:
The bill would limit the number of related #patents that can be asserted in #infringement cases, even when those patents cover distinct, non-overlapping aspects of the same disclosure.
For more:
The #ETHICAct targets a problem that does not exist: so-called "patent thickets."
"This bill would impose an arbitrary, unnecessary burden on American #inventors when no significant problem of delayed generic entry exists."
Learn more from C4IP's recent statement on the #bill:
"This bill would impose an arbitrary, unnecessary burden on American #inventors when no significant problem of delayed generic entry exists."
Learn more from C4IP's recent statement on the #bill:
Council for Innovation Promotion Urges Congress to Oppose the ETHIC Act
c4ip.org
September 16, 2025 at 2:18 PM
The #ETHICAct targets a problem that does not exist: so-called "patent thickets."
"This bill would impose an arbitrary, unnecessary burden on American #inventors when no significant problem of delayed generic entry exists."
Learn more from C4IP's recent statement on the #bill:
"This bill would impose an arbitrary, unnecessary burden on American #inventors when no significant problem of delayed generic entry exists."
Learn more from C4IP's recent statement on the #bill:
📰 #ICYMI: Law360 covered C4IP's statement on the #ETHICAct.
"'...as confirmed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the number of #patents is not correlated to the timing of generic entry. Rather, these patents are essential to adequately protect complex #inventions.'"
For more info:
"'...as confirmed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the number of #patents is not correlated to the timing of generic entry. Rather, these patents are essential to adequately protect complex #inventions.'"
For more info:
Ex-USPTO Heads, Judges Oppose Anti-Patent Thicket Bill
A pro-innovation group composed of former U.S. Patent and Trademark Office officials and former Federal Circuit judges on Tuesday asked Congress to oppose a bill introduced last month that would…
www.law360.com
August 16, 2025 at 6:17 PM
📰 #ICYMI: Law360 covered C4IP's statement on the #ETHICAct.
"'...as confirmed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the number of #patents is not correlated to the timing of generic entry. Rather, these patents are essential to adequately protect complex #inventions.'"
For more info:
"'...as confirmed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the number of #patents is not correlated to the timing of generic entry. Rather, these patents are essential to adequately protect complex #inventions.'"
For more info:
📰 IPWatchdog highlighted #C4IP's statement on the #ETHICAct in a recent article:
"'Prohibiting the enforcement of validly issued U.S. #patents destabilizes the entire #innovation ecosystem,' said C4IP's Executive Director Frank Cullen."
Read the full article:
"'Prohibiting the enforcement of validly issued U.S. #patents destabilizes the entire #innovation ecosystem,' said C4IP's Executive Director Frank Cullen."
Read the full article:
C4IP Slams ETHIC Act Targeting Patent Thickets as Destabilizing to Innovation Ecosystem
The Council for Innovation Promotion (C4IP) today issued a statement taking Congress to task for supporting a bill introduced in July that would limit the ability of patent owners to assert more than…
ipwatchdog.com
August 13, 2025 at 6:17 PM
📰 IPWatchdog highlighted #C4IP's statement on the #ETHICAct in a recent article:
"'Prohibiting the enforcement of validly issued U.S. #patents destabilizes the entire #innovation ecosystem,' said C4IP's Executive Director Frank Cullen."
Read the full article:
"'Prohibiting the enforcement of validly issued U.S. #patents destabilizes the entire #innovation ecosystem,' said C4IP's Executive Director Frank Cullen."
Read the full article:
📣 Today, Frank Cullen, #C4IP executive director, issued the following statement urging Congress to reject the #ETHICAct in its entirety:
“Prohibiting the enforcement of validly issued U.S. #patents destabilizes the entire #innovation ecosystem..."
Read our full statement:
“Prohibiting the enforcement of validly issued U.S. #patents destabilizes the entire #innovation ecosystem..."
Read our full statement:
Council for Innovation Promotion Urges Congress to Oppose the ETHIC Act - Council for Innovation Promotion (C4IP)
WASHINGTON (August 5, 2025) — Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Josh Hawley (R-MO), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) recently introduced the Eliminating Thickets to Increase Competition (ETHIC) Act, S. 2276, in…
c4ip.org
August 5, 2025 at 2:51 PM
📣 Today, Frank Cullen, #C4IP executive director, issued the following statement urging Congress to reject the #ETHICAct in its entirety:
“Prohibiting the enforcement of validly issued U.S. #patents destabilizes the entire #innovation ecosystem..."
Read our full statement:
“Prohibiting the enforcement of validly issued U.S. #patents destabilizes the entire #innovation ecosystem..."
Read our full statement: