Credit unions are pushing for passage of a patent reform bill that the Senate is likely to vote on this week that could limit their exposure to patent infringement lawsuits.

The Senate is likely to pass the measure that would make it harder for holders of "business method" patents which cover processes such as electronic filing of documents, to sue financial institutions such as credit unions.

Under the bill, credit unions and banks accused of patent infringement have the right to demand a review of the patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. It passed the House in June.