AUTM Advocates for Patent Reform in Congressional Briefings

On February 24, AUTM CEO Steve Susalka represented the tech transfer community on Capitol Hill, speaking at two congressional staff briefings focused on the PREVAIL Act. The sessions were organized by a coalition of organizations, including AUTM, that support the legislation and are working to advance needed improvements to the U.S. patent system.

Addressing Senate Judiciary Committee staff and later House Judiciary Committee staff, Susalka outlined why the PREVAIL Act matters to research institutions, startups, and the broader innovation ecosystem. “The PREVAIL Act is key to creating improvements to the inter partes review (IPR) process managed by the Patent Trial and Appeals Board at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office,” said Susalka. “Through briefings such as these, AUTM shares its expertise and advocates for our Members on matters of crucial importance to the tech transfer ecosystem.”

His message reflected AUTM’s unique role at the intersection of research, commercialization, and public policy. Technology transfer professionals work every day to move discoveries from lab to marketplace, translating federally funded research into new products, companies, and jobs. A stable, predictable patent system is essential to that work. By participating directly in policy discussions and educating congressional staff on how IPRs affect universities, startups, and industry partners, AUTM ensures that lawmakers understand the real-world implications for innovation and economic growth.

Susalka was joined by speakers representing a business, a coalition of inventors, and the Council for Innovation Promotion, underscoring the broad-based support for reforms that strengthen confidence in the patent system. Together, the panel provided a comprehensive perspective on why thoughtful improvements are critical.

For AUTM Members, this advocacy work delivers tangible value. It protects the policy frameworks that make technology transfer possible, amplifies the voice of the profession in national conversations, and reinforces the importance of strong intellectual property rights in driving innovation. Engagement like this demonstrates that AUTM is not only a professional home for its Members, but also an active champion for the ecosystem that enables their success.