H.R. 9143 seeks to amend U.S. patent law to mandate that applicants disclose any connections or ties they have with the People's Republic of China and other designated foreign adversaries when filing patent applications. This aims to enhance transparency and national security by allowing the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to better assess potential risks associated with foreign influence on American intellectual property.
Supporters of H.R. 9143 argue that the bill is a crucial step in protecting U.S. innovation and intellectual property from foreign adversaries. They highlight the importance of transparency in patent applications as a means to safeguard national security and ensure that American inventions are not compromised by foreign interests. Many view this legislation as a proactive measure to strengthen the U.S. economy and maintain competitive advantage.
Critics of H.R. 9143 express concerns that the bill could lead to unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for patent applicants, particularly those with legitimate international ties. They argue that the requirement for disclosures may discourage innovation and collaboration with foreign entities, potentially harming U.S. businesses that rely on global partnerships. Some media outlets have also raised alarms about the implications for civil liberties and the potential for discrimination against applicants based on their nationality.
The bill H.R. 9143, sponsored by Scott Fitzgerald, focuses on requiring disclosures in patent applications related to ties with foreign adversaries, particularly the People's Republic of China. The sponsor's top donor industries, which include Health Professionals ($120 million) and Retired individuals ($37.5 million), do not have a direct overlap with the bill's subject matter. This lack of direct industry connection suggests that there are minimal immediate conflicts of interest regarding the financial backers of the sponsor and the legislative intent of the bill. Additionally, while there is lobbying activity in the policy area, it primarily involves companies and associations that are not directly tied to the sponsor's major donor industries. Therefore, the risk of conflict is assessed as low, as the financial interests of the donors do not appear to influence the bill's objectives significantly.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| HOGAN LOVELLS, LLP OBO ZHONGJI INNOLIGHT CO., LTD. | MO STRATEGIES, INC. | $530,000 |
| TENCENT AMERICA LLC | MO STRATEGIES, INC. | $530,000 |
| TENCENT AMERICA LLC | HOGAN LOVELLS US LLP | $410,000 |
| BORDER TRADE ALLIANCE | BC CONSULTING, LLC | $60,000 |
| ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LIMITED | MO STRATEGIES, INC. | $60,000 |
| FRESH PRODUCE ASSOCIATION OF THE AMERICAS | BC CONSULTING, LLC | $45,000 |
| WERNER ENTERPRISES | BC CONSULTING, LLC | $45,000 |
| OLD DOMINION FREIGHT LINE, INC. | BC CONSULTING, LLC | $45,000 |
| NATIONAL TANK TRUCK CARRIER, INC. | BC CONSULTING, LLC | $37,500 |
| STEVENS TRUCKING | BC CONSULTING, LLC | $30,000 |
| NATIONAL MOTOR FREIGHT TRAFFIC ASSOCIATION | BC CONSULTING, LLC | $22,500 |
| STARR-CAMARGO BRIDGE COMPANY | BC CONSULTING, LLC | $15,000 |
| STRAUNS CUSTOMHOUSE BROKERS, LLC | BC CONSULTING, LLC | $7,500 |
| CLEAN FREIGHT COALITION | MULLEN CONSULTING LLC | undisclosed |
| CITY OF ASHEBORO | CRANFILL SUMNER LLP | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Scott Fitzgerald, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
