PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 55 · Passed Senate · Dec 15, 2020
Patents for Humanity Program Improvement Act
This bill authorizes the holder of an acceleration certificate awarded under the Patents for Humanity program to transfer the certificate to another party.
(The Patents for Humanity program recognizes patent owners, applicants, and licensees that use their inventions to meet humanitarian challenges. The winners each receive a certificate that can be used to accelerate certain U.S. Patent and Trademark Office proceedings, such as a patent application.)
People & committees
Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6] · D–GA
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 116-316.
Became Public Law No: 116-316.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7507)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S7507)
Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 488.
Received in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2503)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H2503)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7259.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2503-2504)
Mr. Johnson (GA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Dec 5, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.7259 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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