Adobe (ADBE), Cisco (CSCO), Intel (INTC) Continue Opposition to Patent Bill

Although they originally supported the passage of patent reform, Cisco (NASDAQ:CSCO), Adobe (NASDAQ:ADBE) and Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) now oppose the proposed changes, even while a bill passed overwhelmingly in the Senate.

Part of the Coalition for Patent Fairness, the companies withdrew support for the bill during the process.

There is no companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives at this time, but Republican Representative Lamar Smith said he is close to completing a draft.

One ridiculous consequence of the bill is it now increases the size and funding of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office at a time the country is essentially bankrupt.

One major changed under the Senate bill, is the United States would grant precedence to the first inventor to file a patent application, rather than requiring patent office examiners to decide who was first to produce an invention.