MARCH 6, 2012 – MT. PROSPECT, IL - Cummins Allison, the leading innovator and provider of coin, currency and check handling solutions, hosted the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), David Kappos, at its corporate campus today. Director Kappos visited Cummins Allison to view how the company is advancing U.S.-based manufacturing and discuss the importance of patents to promote technological achievements, help businesses safeguard their intellectual property, and create more American jobs.
"As a U.S. manufacturer it is very encouraging to have the Under Secretary of Commerce visit our corporation," said Doug Mennie, president, Cummins Allison. "The Under Secretary's visit demonstrates his commitment and dedication to U.S. manufacturing. Director Kappos has made significant progress in his efforts to improve the United States Patent and Trademark Office and we commend him for this success."
Throughout American history, patents have been an important incentive for research investment and technological development. Patents help individuals and businesses protect their investments, promote their goods and services, and prevent deception in the marketplace. The extent to which the U.S. patent system fosters innovation, inspires technical development and attracts investment is predicated largely upon its efficiency and ability to produce high-quality patents and install faith and confidence in all inventors.
"The United States patent system has played a critical role in our success as a world-class American manufacturer," said Bill Jones, chairman, Cummins Allison. "Our company began in 1887 and patents have enabled Cummins Allison to retain all of our manufacturing operations in the U.S. Today, our products are sold not only in the United States, but around the world with more than 30 percent of our production exported to foreign markets. A strong U.S. patent system is extremely important to our company's present and future success, as we remain committed to supporting the American economy and our local community. We are sincerely honored and deeply appreciate the opportunity to meet with Director Kappos and discuss these important economic issues."
About Cummins Allison
Cummins Allison is a global leader in developing technologies which count, sort and authenticate currency. The U.S.-based company has a 100-year heritage of leadership in technology and product innovation and currently serves the majority of financial institutions worldwide, as well as leading organizations in retail, casinos, law enforcement and government. The company holds more than 350 U.S. patents and has ongoing research and development (R&D) investments double the industry average. Cummins Allison is headquartered near Chicago, IL with R&D centers near San Diego, CA and Philadelphia, PA and wholly owned subsidiaries in Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany and France. The company also has an extensive sales and service network with more than 50 offices in North America and is represented in over 70 countries. For more information, visit cumminsallison.com.
Contacts
Tim Minor
Senior Vice President
Corporate Affairs
Cummins Allison
847.493.6603
Andrea Davis
Outlook Marketing Services, Inc.
312-873-3421
andreea@outlookmarketingsrv.com
