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Protecting Innovation

In the thirteen years I’ve been General Counsel of Cisco, I can count on one hand the number of times we’ve initiated suit against a competitor, supplier or customer. It’s therefore only after thoughtful and serious consideration that we are today filing two lawsuits to stop Arista’s repeated and pervasive copying of key inventions in […]

December 5, 2014 • 7 min read
Blog post

Statement of Cisco General Counsel Mark Chandler on Nomination of Michelle K. Lee as Director of U.S. Patent and Tradema …

On behalf of Cisco, let me congratulate President Obama on nominating Michelle Lee to be Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Over the past year as Deputy Director, Michelle Lee has demonstrated that she has what it takes to oversee the Patent and Trademark Office. She’s already taken needed steps to cut the patent […]

October 17, 2014 • 1 min read
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Internet Security Necessary for Global Technology Economy

Today’s security challenges are real and significant.  We want governments to detect and disrupt terrorist networks before they inflict harm on our society, our citizens, and our systems of government.   We also want to live in countries that respect their citizens’ basic human rights.  The tension between security and freedom has become one the most pressing […]

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Statement of Mark Chandler on Need for Patent System that Rewards Innovation and Discourages Speculation

I’ve commented here about the imperative to return to a patent system that incents and rewards innovation and discourages the speculators and opportunists who are using litigation leverage and bad patents to extract money from the productive elements of the economy.  That’s why we urge the Senate to follow the House’s overwhelming, bipartisan vote to […]

February 20, 2014 • 2 min read
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Statement by Cisco General Counsel Mark Chandler on House Passage of the “Innovation Act”

“The House of Representatives today took measured and reasonable steps against the misuse of the legal system by patent assertion entities, by passing legislation to dry up the financial incentives that allow patent assertion entities to thrive. As a company that has a portfolio of over 10,000 US patents by dint of our strong culture […]

December 5, 2013 • 1 min read
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Statement by Cisco General Counsel Mark Chandler on House Judiciary Committee Passage of the “Innovation Act”

“For years, patent assertion entities – otherwise known as patent trolls – have been targeting businesses large and small with frivolous lawsuits, threat letters, and intimidation tactics.  Lately, the problem has been getting worse, with 60% of new lawsuits filed by patent assertion entities, up from 25% in 2007. Today, the House Judiciary Committee took […]

November 20, 2013 • 1 min read
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Statement by Cisco General Counsel Mark Chandler on Introduction of the “Innovation Act”

“Cisco applauds introduction of the Innovation Act,  legislation which aims to address the growing problem of patent assertion entities, often called patent trolls. “According to a new study released this week, the problem is getting worse.  Nearly 60 percent of new patent lawsuits are being filed by patent assertion entities, up from 25% in 2007.  […]

October 23, 2013 • 1 min read