We certainly think so!  As part of an introduction to Andre Iancu as the newly appointed director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, this article in the Washington Examiner firmly states: “An efficient, well-functioning patent system is among America’s most powerful levers for maintaining its global pre-eminence in R&D investment and productivity.”  The article cites the new inter partes review process as a step in the right direction to ensure quality patents. The article speculates that “Innovation has thrived since enactment of the America Invents Act.”  The author provides no evidence to back up this statement except to state that R&D and VC investment have increased since 2011.  While it may be true, there is no way to know if this is causation or correlation.  Indeed, 2011 also correlates with the end of the great recession.  Whoe knows?  Regardless, we agree that innovation is key to America’s success, and that a strong patent system is critical to maintaining an innovative society.