The Quality Parts Coalition says despite the manufacturing agreement reached by Ford and LKQ Corporation last week (click HERE to read more), there is still work to be done to prevent car companies from using design patents on collision repair parts in an effort to create a monopoly.
The QPC claims that domestic and foreign car companies have obtained hundreds of design patents on collision repair parts which, if successfully enforced through litigation, would enable them to stifle competition in the marketplace, and over the past five years, car companies have doubled the number of design patents held.
To prevent a so-called OEM parts monopoly, the QPC says it will continue to advocate for a permanent, legislative change to U.S. design patent law, known as “repair clause” legislation, which would allow aftermarket companies to produce crash parts despite OEM-held patents (click HERE to read more).
“During these tough economic times, it is crucial that we safeguard consumers. One of these ways is to ensure the continued availability of affordable, quality aftermarket parts,” said John Hair, federal government relations specialist, Property Casualty Insurers Association of America. “We continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the members of the QPC, and we’re focused on preventing anticompetitive behavior by installing a ‘repair clause’ in U.S. design patent law to ensure that consumers have a choice when repairing their vehicles.”
Automotive Body Parts Association Executive Director Stan Rodman added, “Since 2007, members and supporters of the Quality Parts Coalition have fought the car companies’ purposeful manipulation of design patent law. We are more focused than ever on preserving consumer choice and competition in the marketplace by securing an automotive ‘repair clause.’”
For more information, visit www.qualitypartscoalition.com.
