The Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE), a national organization representing companies in the automotive aftermarket, today urged Members of Congress to cosponsor H.R. 5638. The bill, introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), would amend Title 35, U.S. Code (Patents) to provide design patent exemption for alternative repair parts used for the purpose of repairing a vehicle to its original appearance. *

CARE has joined with numerous pro-consumer organizations such as The Consumer Federation of America, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, Public Citizen, Consumers Union and the Center for Auto Safety, in support of H.R. 5638, which guarantees vehicle owners have a choice where they have their vehicles repaired and which replacement parts they wish to purchase.

“At a time of a looming recession and rising gasoline prices, motoring consumers now need, more than ever, affordable, quality repairs. H.R. 5638 will bring consumers relief by inserting a permanent ‘Automotive Repair Clause’ into current patent law,” stated Sandy Bass-Cors, CARE Executive Director.

“The car companies have attempted to carve out repair and parts monopolies for decades at consumers’ expense. It’s simply economically unfair for consumers to be forced to pay monopolistic prices for needed collision repair parts,” stated Bass-Cors.

“We urge U.S. Representatives to consider consumers’ financial needs and freedom to choose by cosponsoring and supporting H.R. 5638,” concluded Bass-Cors.