WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today named U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) 2015’s Legislator of the Year. BIO is the world's largest trade association representing biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations.
Senator Coons received the award in recognition of his “long professional track record protecting the rights of patent owners,” said BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood, citing both the Senator’s history in the private sector and his work as a Senator from Delaware. “We thank Senator Coons for introducing the STRONG Patents Act of 2015, important legislation that targets the abusive practices of patent trolls through carefully calibrated measures that maintain the overall strength of the U.S. patent system.”
“It’s an honor to be recognized by Delaware’s delegation of Biotechnology Industry Organization,” said Sen. Coons. “It’s especially rewarding to be honored for the work we have done on the STRONG Patents Act of 2015. This act will help protect innovators in Delaware and across the nation whose ideas create new jobs, new companies, and even new industries. We must continue to work hard work to strengthen and reform America's patent system to stop abusive conduct and help job-creating inventors.”
"The life science industry in Delaware delivers an enormous annual economic impact and provides jobs, both directly and indirectly, for over 8,000 people. Senator Coons has been an invaluable resource for the biotechnology community – both at home and for the nation at large,” said Bob Dayton president of the Delaware BioScience Association. "We thank the Senator for his outstanding leadership and dedication to supporting the innovative capacity and job creating potential of Delaware life science companies, and congratulate him on receiving this award."