ERIC Urges USPTO to Withdraw Patent Rule That Weakens Competition and Raises Drug Costs

Washington, D.C., November 17, 2025 – The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) today urged the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to withdraw a proposed rule revising procedures of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) saying the proposal contradicts President Trump’s stated priority to make prescription drugs more affordable for American patients. The statement below is attributable to James Gelfand, ERIC President and CEO.

“The USPTO proposed patent rule is the regulatory equivalent of giving with one hand and taking away with the other. It weakens the current patent review process, makes it harder to challenge low-quality patents, raises prescription drug costs, and contradicts the administration’s pro-competition agenda. We urge the USPTO to withdraw this rule and work with ERIC on a patent process that promotes competition, lowers costs, and puts high-quality medicines within reach for all Americans.”

Read the full comment letter here.

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All media inquiries to The ERISA Industry Committee should be directed to media@eric.org.

About The ERISA Industry Committee
ERIC is a national advocacy organization that exclusively represents large employers that provide health, retirement, paid leave, and other benefits to their nationwide workforces. With member companies that are leaders in every sector of the economy, ERIC advocates on the federal, state, and local levels for policies that promote flexibility and uniformity in the administration of their employee benefit plans.