Some patented crash parts cost more than twice comparable, non-patented parts due to OEM “Backdoor Monopoly” according to the paper. A new white paper examines how automotive OEM design patents impact consumers, local economies, and the environment. Blaire O’Neal, PhD, a researcher and consultant who specializes in issues around social justice and technology, released the […]
Group of 28 Attorneys General Urge Congress to Pass Right to Repair Legislation
Letter urges passage of federal right to repair and design patent legislation to preserve competition in vehicle, farm and digital equipment service and repair. A group of 28 bipartisan state and territory attorneys general, representing states from Maine to Alaska, signaled their support for consumers’ right to repair the items they purchase – including automobiles, […]
Insurance Association Hails Federal Legislation to Preserve Competition in Collision Repair Parts Market
Legislation to preserve competition in the marketplace for aftermarket auto parts will help keep repair costs low by promoting consumer choice, according to the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC). The Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation, or SMART Act, which was reintroduced last week, would limit the design patent on an auto repair […]
Legislation to Limit Length of Automotive Design Patents Re-Introduced in U.S. House of Representatives
Bill seeks to reduce collision repair costs by limiting the length of time vehicle manufacturer exterior parts would be protected from competition. The Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation (SMART) Act was reintroduced yesterday in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill proposes to reduce the length of time exterior collision repair parts are protected […]
U.S. International Trade Commission Launches Investigation into Aftermarket Lamps Patent Infringement
Following complaints from Hyundai and Kia, the Commission launches two Section 337 investigations into aftermarket lamps that vehicle manufacturers say violate their patents The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to institute two Section 337 investigations into aftermarket replacement automotive lamps. The investigations are based on complaints filed by Kia Corporation, of Seoul, Republic […]
CAR Coalition Survey Says 78% of Vehicle-Owning Voters Support Federal Right to Repair Legislation
According to new study, consumers opposed to vehicle manufacturers’ use of design patents to restrict options for common repair parts, like bumpers and side mirrors. The CAR Coalition, a group of independent automotive parts and repair companies, associations, and insurers committed to preserving consumer choice and affordable vehicle repair, has released a national survey of […]
SCRS Opposes Legislation to Limit Length of OEM Design Patents on Collision Repair Parts
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) announced it objects to the Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation (SMART) Act that was introduced in June seeking to limit vehicle manufacturer design patents for collision repair parts. According to a press release, “The small businesses we represent want to perform safe and proper repairs, that allow […]
CAPA Applauds Introduction of Legislation Limiting OEM Collision Repair Parts Design Patents
The Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA), the independent non-profit standard-setting and certification organization for automotive crash parts, applauded the Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation (SMART) Act, recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. “The SMART ACT is a win for consumers,” said Clark Plucinski, CAPA Chairman. “The misuse of design patents on parts […]
Legislation to Limit Length of Auto Design Patents Introduced in U.S. House of Representative
Bipartisan legislation seeks to reduce collision repair costs by limiting the length of time vehicle manufacturer exterior parts would be protected from competition. Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet in the House Judiciary Committee, announced June 1 the introduction of bipartisan legislation to limit […]
LKQ Corporation Files Lawsuit Against General Motors Seeking to Have Collision Repair Part Design Patents Ruled Invalid
Federal lawsuit alleges vehicle manufacturer is seeking to undermine aftermarket parts supplier’s business relationships and seeks to change license agreement terms. LKQ Corporation filed a lawsuit in an Illinois Federal Court seeking a judgment against General Motors over the infringement and validity of collision repair part design patents. The lawsuit, LKQ Corporation and Keystone Automotive […]