Congress takes up patent redo, damages fight looms

Lawmakers stressed that long hours of negotiation were likely to lead to changes to the bill, but that they were determined to see it become law.

"We all agree that more work needs to be done," said Orrin Hatch, the top Republican on the Senate panel and another co-sponsor.

In the House, a similar bill has also been introduced.

"I do predict that we'll be successful this year," added Rep. Lamar Smith.

Other elements of the Senate bill would create a new process for public challenges to patents within 12 months of their issue. (Reporting by Diane Bartz; editing by Richard Chang) (Diane.Bartz@ThomsonReuters.com; +1 202 898 8313)