H 277 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act to protect innovation and entrepreneurship in the Commonwealth

This bill creates a new legal chapter to protect businesses in Massachusetts from bad faith accusations of patent infringement. It defines specific actions, such as sending demand letters without proper analysis or detailed information, as potential bad faith and allows courts to consider these factors when evaluating claims. The legislation permits affected targets to sue for damages, including up to $50,000 in exemplary damages and reasonable attorney fees, if they prove the accusation was made without a legitimate basis. By establishing these standards and penalties, the act aims to reduce frivolous threats that could harm local innovation and entrepreneurship.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2024
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Feb 15, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
3
Committee
3
Feb 15, 2024
Lower · Passed
Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting
lower
Jan 25, 2024
Lower · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Edward F. Coppinger
Edward F. Coppinger
DDemocratic
MA
10th Suffolk