California Anti-Steering Bill Vetoed
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed S.B. 1167, an anti-steering bill that would have required insurers to ask policyholders if they’ve chosen a repair shop prior to suggesting one. Schwarzenegger said due to a delay in passing the state’s 2008-2009 budget and the fact that the bill is not of “the highest priority” to the state,
California Anti-Steering Bill Vetoed
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed S.B. 1167, an anti-steering bill that would have required insurers to ask policyholders if they have chosen a repair shop prior to suggesting one. Schwarzenegger said he did not sign it due to a delay in passing the state’s 2008-2009 budget and the fact that the bill is not of
Congress Passes Intellectual Property Enforcement Legislation Without Parts Exemption
The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed S.B. 3325 (Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt. and Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa.), legislation on intellectual property rights enforcement, without language from Rep. Zoe Lofgren’s (D-Calif.) bill, H.R. 5638, which would have created an exception from infringement for certain component parts used to repair articles of manufacture, including automobiles. The exemption
Congress Passes Intellectual Property Bill Without Parts Exemption
The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed S.B. 3325 on intellectual property rights enforcement without language from H.R. 5638, which would have created an exception from infringement for certain component parts used to repair articles of manufacture, including automobiles. The exemption would have been for parts with the sole purpose of repairing the original appearance of
3M Acquires Dedication to Detail
3M has acquired Dedication to Detail, a Philadelphia-based manufacturer of paint finishing systems including buffing and polishing pads. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition of Dedication to Detail builds on 3M’s range of vehicle appearance products with the addition of patented quick release double-sided foam and wool pads sold under "The Edge"
Omaha Collision Shop Receives BBB Integrity Award
Dingman’s Collision Center in Omaha, Neb., recently received the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Integrity Award for businesses with six to 24 employees. These awards focus on demonstrating ethical business practices with customers, employees and community at large rather than a company’s growth, profitability or popularity. The Integrity Award winners were chosen by an independent panel
Federal Circuit Revises Standard for Design Patent Infringement
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled on Sept. 22 that the "ordinary observer" standard is the sole test for determining design patent infringement, replacing the "point of novelty" test used for more than 20 years. The ordinary observer test includes whether an object claimed to be infringing is so similar to
Consumer Groups Push Passage of California Parts Invoice Bill
The Center for Auto Safety, Consumer Action and Consumers Union are urging California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to sign A.B. 2825 (Assemblywoman Wilma Carter, D-62nd), which would require repairers to give customers wholesale invoices for crash parts that cost $50 or more and mandates that estimates and final invoices contain a disclosure that parts switching is
Consumer Groups Push Passage of California Parts Invoice Bill
The Center for Auto Safety, Consumer Action and Consumers Union are urging California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to sign A.B. 2825 (Assemblywoman Wilma Carter, D-62nd), which would require repairers to give customers wholesale invoices for crash parts that cost $50 or more and mandates that estimates and final invoices contain a disclosure that parts switching is
GM Approves DuPont Cromax Pro Waterborne Basecoat
General Motors has granted global approval of DuPont Cromax Pro waterborne basecoat, per the requirements of General Motors global refinish paint material specification GMW 15406. “The approval required us to complete a rigorous testing protocol, and we’re pleased to have met and exceeded those demanding requirements,” said Rich Katko, business development manager, OEM Approvals. “Cromax
California Capping Bill Signed into Law
Over the weekend, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed S.B. 1371 (Sen. Lou Correa, D-Santa Ana), legislation designed to limit the insurance company practice of placing “caps,” arbitrary limits, on reimbursements for collision repairs. The bill, which will become law Jan. 1, 2009, was backed by the California Autobody Association (CAA). Introduced in February, S.B. 1371
CARSTAR Connecticut Raises Over $11,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation
CARSTAR Connecticut‘s first annual CARSTAR Charity Golf Tournament at Quarry Ridge Golf Course on Sept. 25, part of CARSTAR’s Super’Stang Muscle Tour to raise money for the Make-A-Wish foundation, drew 65 golfers and raised more than $11,000 for the charity. The CARSTAR Super’Stang tour, which showcases a 1967 prototype Mustang, has raised more than $250,000