Industry Issues - Counterfeiting

For most motor vehicle product manufacturers, the company’s intellectual property is perhaps its greatest asset. However, more and more suppliers are finding out that their intellectual property rights are being violated and, ultimately, their brands are at risk.

Intellectual property right violations can occur in several forms including:

• Counterfeiting
• Diversion/Gray Market
• Country of Origin
• Non-Compliant Products

Jeff Thurnau, patent counsel for Gates Corp. and a BPC member, appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee on June 17 and urged passage of legislation that will strengthen the ability of motor vehicle suppliers to address a number of counterfeiting issues. Click here for more details.

While intellectual property right violations can cost manufacturers hundreds of millions of dollars, it also cause a major safety risk to consumers who unknowingly have their vehicles repaired with counterfeit and/or non-complaint products. It is more important than ever for a products manufacturer to protect their brand(s). This information is intended to help educate and provide valuable resources for the products manufacturer to deal with this growing challenge. Click here and take a look at this illustrative slide show.