Auto Care Association Participates in Copyright Roundtables on Embedded Software and DMCA

Auto Care Association Participates in Copyright Roundtables on Embedded Software and DMCA

Aaron Lowe discussed the growing use of software on late-model vehicles and concerns that automakers were adopting anti-competitive technological protection measures that prevent access to the software needed for repair and maintenance.

auto-care-association-logoAaron Lowe, senior vice president, Regulatory and Government Affairs, Auto Care Association, participated in a series of roundtables produced by the U.S. Copyright Office in Washington, D.C., May 18-19. The roundtables were part of a study being undertaken by the office on copyright law and its relation to software-embedded consumer products, as well as issues related to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

Lowe discussed the growing use of software on late-model vehicles and concerns that the vehicle manufacturers were adopting anti-competitive technological protection measures that prevent parts manufacturers, service facilities, and consumers from accessing the software needed for repair and maintenance.

“The absence of clear guidance regarding interpretations of copyright defenses is having a chilling impact on companies developing replacement components, causing companies in the auto care industry to be concerned about extensive and disruptive litigation,” said Lowe.

Lowe further requested that the Copyright Office make a determination that DMCA does not prohibit circumvention of technological measures that are used by companies to prevent lawful repair under patent law of products whose operation is controlled by embedded software.

Lowe told the Copyright Office that a consumer who purchases a vehicle should own that car, including all of the software embedded in that vehicle. Therefore, consumers and those chosen by consumers to service those vehicles should have the freedom to access that software for purposes of lawful repair.

For more information, contact Aaron Lowe at [email protected].

You May Also Like

Corby’s Collision Center: Since 1942

Bentley (Bud) and Evelyn Corby started Corby’s in a little gas station in Honeoye Falls, N.Y.

Corby’s Collision, Inc. has been repairing vehicles since 1942 when Bentley (Bud) and Evelyn Corby started their automotive venture in Honeoye Falls, N.Y., in a little gas station on North Main Street. In 1954, the business moved to its present location at 1212 Rochester St., where they continued repairing vehicles and selling Arctic Cat and Ski Doo snowmobiles. In 1985, Larry and Bonnie Corby purchased the family business, expanding in 1996 when they opened a second location in the Canandaigua area as Corby’s Precision Collision at Ontario Imports in the Ontario Mazda building. In 1999, the Canandaigua business was moved to its present location at 2460 State Route 332. Now, as the third generation, Leslie (Corby) and Kelly Craft continue to carry on the family tradition.

CIF Announces Enterprise as Repeat Annual Donor

Enterprise has donated for the fourth consecutive time at the Urgent Care (second highest) tier.

NABC Donates Recycled Ride to Central Georgia Mom

The NAB), GEICO and Five Star Collision Center-Wimbish recently donated a refurbished vehicle to a deserving mother of four.

NABC Donates Recycled Rides at NORTHEAST Show

The NABC, GEICO, Mountain View Auto and Collision Center of New Jersey donated two refurbished vehicles at the recent NORTHEAST Show.

Crash Champions Expands in Idaho

Crash Champions has announced the acquisition of Addison Collision Repair in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Other Posts

Auto Care Association Welcomes GAO Report on Vehicle Repair Restrictions

The Auto Care Association is renewing its call for Congress to advance federal Right to Repair legislation that protects independent business owners and consumers.

ProColor Collision Welcomes First Shop in Montana

ProColor Collision Gallatin Valley is operated by Robert Rinta and Simon Gratch, who both served honorably in the Montana National Guard.

Association News

The latest association news appearing on bodyshopbusiness.com.

Podcasts of the Week

A review of some of the latest podcasts from BodyShop Business.