Quality Parts Coalition (QPC) announced the addition of the Kentucky-Indiana Automotive Wholesalers Association (KIAWA) to its growing Coalition. KIAWA joins as the United States Patent and Trade Office (USPTO) conducts a listening tour to hear concerns of parties interested in issues related to the protection of industrial designs. A recent public town hall meeting in Alexandria, Va., which followed a private meeting with automakers in Detroit, Mich., comes on the heels of the introduction of H.R. 5638 by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.). *
Supported by seven cosponsors, H.R. 5638 would preserve competition and consumer choice in the automotive collision replacement parts industry by amending 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.
Concerned with the growing number of design patents awarded to the major automobile manufacturers — representing 20 to 25 percent of the total U.S. patents awarded to those manufacturers — KIAWA joined QPC to help stave off the automakers’ attempts to corner the market on replacement collision parts. The QPC formed in response to an International Trade Commission (ITC) ruling that granted Ford exclusive rights to the manufacture of seven repair parts for the F-150 (model years 2004-2007). The ITC has recently agreed to investigate yet another case introduced by Ford — this time targeting owners of the 2005 Mustang.
“KiAWA has long been a strong advocate against legislation at the state capitols and in Washington which could adversely impact the automotive aftermarket business,” explained Eileen A. Sottile, executive director of the QPC. “KIAWA will provide an invaluable resource in our continued fight for our industry, as it becomes more and more apparent that automakers are attempting to monopolize the replacement parts marketplace.”
Founded in 1958, KIAWA provides members with business and educational training and information, serves as the voice of the automotive aftermarket industry in Kentucky and Indiana and monitors and influences governmental issues that impact the automotive aftermarket industry.
“It is obvious that the automotive industry is working to eliminate competition in a marketplace that has benefited consumers and has provided jobs to thousands of Americans for more than 60 years,” said L. Kim Rominger, Executive Director of KIAWA. “KIAWA is proud to join the QPC in supporting Rep. Zoe Lofgren’s (D-Calif.) legislation that will provide a permanent legislative solution to prevent monopolies—such as the one awarded to Ford on the F-150 by the ITC—from spreading to every make and model.”
For more information, visit www.qualitypartscoalition.com.
