PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 118-151.
Congressional Research Service
Version 55 · Passed Senate · Jun 20, 2024
This bill creates a good faith exception to certain fines imposed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Currently, the USPTO may reduce patent-related fees for small and micro entities, and an entity that falsely claims a fee reduction shall be subject to a fine. This bill exempts an entity from such a fine if the entity made a good faith assertion or certification that the entity was entitled to a fee reduction.
People & committees
Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE] · D–DE
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 118-151.
Became Public Law No: 118-151.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
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 H6211)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6211)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3960.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6211-6212)
Mr. Issa moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4198; text: CR S4198)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4198; text: CR S4198)
Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.
Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
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Analyze S.3960 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.
Examine S.3960 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine S.3960 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine S.3960 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.