WASHINGTON – January 16, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The following is a statement by National Association of Realtors® President Chris Polychron:
“NAR has joined the United for Patent Reform coalition along with a diverse group of American businesses to pursue comprehensive solutions to abusive patent litigation, which costs the U.S. economy billions of dollars every year.
“As a member of United for Patent Reform, NAR reinforces our efforts to protect Realtors® from so-called patent trolls who can drag unsuspecting real estate professionals into expensive and time-consuming litigation.
“Reform is crucial to our industry because Realtors® have become targets of frivolous patent infringement lawsuits for their everyday business practices such as using scanner-copiers and adding user-friendly online search features to their websites. Many businesses are forced to choose between not offering new features or potentially paying tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and displacing other activities like hiring people, research or expansion.
“Trolls are exploiting the patent system at the expense of Realtors® and other professionals who provide services that fuel the American economy; the problem has grown out of control.
“Along with the United for Patent Reform coalition, NAR will continue to advocate for commonsense patent litigation reform that fosters innovation and investment while benefitting the entire American economy.”
The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
Media Contact: Jenny Werwa / 202-383-1193
