“NewEconomyPatents.org” Web Site Advocates Open, Neutral Patent System
New Site Will Serve as Information Clearinghouse for Ongoing Business Method Patent Debate

Washington, D.C. –April 24, 2008– Advocates of continued patent protection for business process innovations today launched “New Economy Patents.org” just three weeks before an appeals court hearing that may lead to a precedent-setting decision on what types of innovation can be patented in the future.

The Web site, www.NewEconomyPatents.org, is an information clearinghouse for businesses, government and media to better understand the current debate on patent protection for business related inventions. The site provides information and resources on the business process patent debate including: a history of the In re Bilski case, which will be heard May 8, 2008, by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; a fact sheet; news articles; court filings; patent legislation; and other relevant information.

“For centuries, the United States’ patent protection for innovations of all stripes – including business processes – has made our nation the innovation leader of the world. The new global economy is driven by services and information, and America is leading it. But efforts to curtail business process patenting threaten to undermine that leadership position,” said Wayne P. Sobon, Associate General Counsel and Director of Intellectual Property for Accenture. “Through this Web site, we hope to reach a broader audience of business owners, regulators, media and the public to provide a better understanding of what’s at risk for American business, large and small, and for American competitiveness.”

For more information about the debate, please visit www.NewEconomyPatents.org.