Don’t Throw Out 40 Years of Innovation by Dismantling IP Protections

While the 1980s is best remembered for its questionable fashion and cultural influence, two critical policies from early in the decade transformed U.S. intellectual property infrastructure and innovation. That might not sound as flashy as neon leg warmers and synth-based pop music, but most of today’s technologies and healthcare breakthroughs wouldn’t exist otherwise.

The Bayh-Dole Act (1980) and Hatch-Waxman Act (1984) led to amazing scientific breakthroughs and a regulatory system that balanced innovation, returns on investment, and long-term health and affordability benefits for patients. With this in mind, and as we approach the Hatch-Waxman law’s 40th anniversary, it should be cause for celebrating inventive progress with a promising future, but the system that’s worked for decades is now under siege.

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