Stronger patents help ag, other industries
Innovation is key to economic growth. Since 1994, SST Software has been working to improve the livelihood of farmers through the application of geospatial technologies.
We are an independent company, based in Stillwater, that helps our customers manage more than 100 million acres of cropland, in 23 countries. SST Software provides farmers with unique tools that allow them to analyze their fields using data science and cutting-edge technologies to ensure maximum economic returns through sustainable farming practices.
As an advocate for innovation, I know that a strong U.S. patent system is important to growing Oklahoma’s businesses and economy. Innovators invest time, energy, and money into perfecting their ideas, and that’s why strong patents are imperative to protecting the inventions for those who seek to disrupt the market.
For example, Oklahoma State University, like all research institutions, relies on the U.S. patent system to protect its intellectual property. Oklahoma’s university system works with independent partners every day to advance agriculture, be it through new varieties of wheat or new sensor technologies. Most of our employees are graduates of OSU, and every year we fund scholarships plus donate software to the university to do our part in creating tomorrow’s innovators.
As it stands, the United States is ranked 10th in patent system strength, according to a 2017 study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This is the first time it has not ranked No. 1. The problem
As it stands, the United States is ranked 10th in patent system strength, according to a 2017 study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This is the first time it has not ranked No. 1. The problem lies with changes made to our patent system over the last decade that hamper those trying to revolutionize industries through new innovations.
lies with changes made to our patent system over the last decade that hamper those trying to revolutionize industries through new innovations. A bipartisan bill sponsored by Sens. Chris Coons, D-Del., and Tom Cotton, R-Ark., the STRONGER Patents Act of 2017, aims to fix this by streamlining the patent process so that those attempting to innovate can do so more smoothly and with more protections, ultimately arming inventors with stronger IP rights.
The ability to accrue timely patents and avoid costly litigation to defend them would be beneficial to our company and help us continue to grow. All businesses deserve to know that their IP is adequately protected by a strong patent system. That is precisely what the STRONGER Patents Act of 2017 will accomplish.
I urge members of the Oklahoma congressional delegation to recognize the need for sound patent protections and support the STRONGER Patents Act of 2017. Doing so will strengthen Oklahoma industry.
Waits is the CEO at SST Software and holds a BS in agricultural economics from Oklahoma State University.