S. 3960 · 118th Congress · 2023–2024
A bill to amend title 35, United States Code, to provide a good faith exception to the imposition of fines for false assertions and certifications, and for other purposes.
S. 3960 in the 118th Congress (2023–2024) became law — introduced on Mar 14, 2024, sponsored by Christopher A. Coons with 1 co-sponsors.
During the 118th Congress (2023–2024), Joe Biden was president, and Republicans held the House majority and Democrats the Senate majority.
- Status
- Became law
- Introduced
- Mar 14, 2024
- Co-sponsors
- 1
- Policy area
- Commerce
- Public law
- Public Law 118-151
What it does
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.
Summary by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service.
Sponsor
Christopher A. Coons (D-DE). Co-sponsors: 1 Republican.
Where it stands
- IntroducedMar 14, 2024
- Passed the SenateJun 20, 2024
- Passed the HouseDec 3, 2024
- Sent to the PresidentDec 6, 2024
- Became lawDec 17, 2024
Latest action: Became Public Law No: 118-151. (Dec 17, 2024)
Other Commerce bills in the 118th Congress
- H.R. 1505: No Stolen Trademarks Honored in America Act
- H.R. 800: DO NOT Call Act of 2023
- H.R. 906: REPAIR Act
- H.R. 1806: Small LENDER Act
- H.R. 3420: My Body, My Data Act of 2023
- H.R. 4340: Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2023
- H.R. 6573: Protecting Military Servicemembers' Data Act of 2023
- H.R. 6591: Encouraging Success Act
- H.R. 7101: FTC REDO Act
- H.R. 7825: Shrinkflation Prevention Act of 2024
Committees
- Judiciary Committee
More
From GovInfo bill records, Congressional Research Service summaries, Voteview roll calls and lobbying reports.
Cite or embed this page
Capitol Receipts, “S. 3960 (118th Congress): A bill to amend title 35, United States…,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/bill/118-s-3960/a-bill-to-amend-title-35-united-states-code (accessed 2026-10-16).