Representatives Deborah Ross (D-NC) and Lance Gooden (TX-05) introduced the bipartisan and bicameral Leadership in Critical and Emerging Technologies Act, legislation to fast-track patent applications for U.S. inventors and businesses developing cutting-edge technologies. Building on the foundation of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, this legislation will strengthen American competitiveness and help the U.S. regain our global technological supremacy. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Peter Welch (D-VT).
Recent studies have found that the United States is at risk of ceding its historical position as the undisputed world leader in technological innovation. A 2023 study found that China now leads in 37 of 44 critical and emerging technologies, including AI algorithms, advanced robotics, 5G and 6G, drones, and synthetic biology, while the United States leads in just seven.
The Leadership in CET Act provides streamlined pathways for patent applications tied to critical and emerging technologies (CET), including advancements in AI, microelectronics, and quantum computing. By removing unnecessary delays, this bill accelerates innovation and encourages commercialization of new technologies that drive economic growth, while also protecting intellectual property.
“America has always been a forerunner in technology and innovation, and we cannot fall back now,” said Congresswoman Ross. “The Leadership in Critical and Emerging Technologies Act will fast-track American innovation in key fields, empower inventors in the Research Triangle and beyond, and help us outperform our global competitors. North Carolina's innovators are ready to lead, and this bipartisan legislation will give them the tools to do so. We have taken significant strides toward revitalizing American innovation and strengthening our competitiveness, and we must continue to build on that progress.”
“The Leadership in CET Act will secure American global dominance in transformative technologies like AI and semiconductors,” said Congressman Gooden. “Through streamlining patent approvals, we will foster innovation and drive progress in these critical fields.”
“The United States cannot afford to fall behind to the Chinese Communist Party in the research and development of critical and emerging technology,” said Senator Blackburn. “My bipartisan Leadership in CET Act would expedite the patent review process to ensure we regain our competitive edge.”
“China has made significant strides in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and is working rapidly to surpass the United States as a world leader in the field. Accelerating our research and development in critical technologies is a vital step to maintaining our leadership on the world stage,” said Senator Welch. “Our bipartisan bill will boost our competitiveness and ensure we’re at the forefront of setting global standards for emerging technologies.”
This legislation is endorsed by the High Tech Inventors Alliance, the Innovation Alliance, and the Computer & Communications Industry Association.
Specifically, the bipartisan Leadership in Critical and Emerging Technologies Act would require the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to establish and carry out a pilot program to expedite the examination of applications in artificial intelligence, microelectronics, and quantum information sciences. This program will encourage innovators to develop and commercialize these technologies essential to U.S. leadership.
Bill text is available here.