Hewlett-Packard spent $400,000 to lobby in 1Q

WASHINGTON - Hewlett-Packard Co., which makes printers, computers, servers and other technology products and services, spent $400,000 in the first quarter to lobby on a variety of issues, including proposals to overhaul the U.S. patent system and trade measures.

The Palo Alto, Calif.-based company also lobbied on data security legislation and proposals to crack down on malicious computer programs known as spyware, which can surreptitiously access hard drives to track online behavior and steal sensitive personal data.

In addition, Hewlett-Packard lobbied on immigration issues, H-1B visas, efforts to promote math and science education, energy efficiency proposals, electronics recycling, and a bill to encourage the use of information technology and electronic medical records in health care.

Besides Congress, the company lobbied the U.S. Trade Representative, the Patent and Trademark Office, the Federal Communications Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, the departments of Justice, Commerce and others, according to the disclosure form filed April 18 with the House clerk's office.

Kristy Sternhell, former legislative counsel to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., was among those registered to lobby for the Hewlett-Packard during the first three months of the year.