Labor surprises Dems with intervention on patent law

Labor unions have stumbled into the middle of a high-stakes lobbying fight between high-tech firms and the pharmaceutical industry over patent law, to the displeasure of some Democrats.

Just as patent reform legislation appeared to be gaining momentum this summer, the AFL-CIO and United Steelworkers of America weighed in with letters critical of bills approved by House and Senate committees. Labor had not been heard on the issue previously, even though high-tech groups have struggled to move legislation for the last two Congresses. TheHill.com, September 05, 2007