AASA Gathers Industry Organizations for 2019 IP Forum: An Open Dialogue about IP Protection in the Aftermarket

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and its Intellectual Property Council (IPC) are working with aftermarket organizations to present the first-ever Aftermarket IP Forum on Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Ford Conference & Events Center in Dearborn, Mich.
 
“Intellectual property protection in the automotive aftermarket has never been more important, yet we have never organized a cross-industry effort to combat the myriad issues surrounding IP,” said Chris Gardner, AASA senior vice president. “In collaboration with our partnering organizations, AASA will bring aftermarket professionals together at the IP Forum to share best practices about intellectual property protections and identify new strategies for cost-effectively fighting problems.”
 
Partnering organizations to date include:
 

• American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA)
• Battery Council International (BCI)
• National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF)
• National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Center
• Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA)

 
The Aftermarket IPC Forum is open to attorneys/counsel, brand managers, and marketing and business development managers for aftermarket products. Members of the AASA Intellectual Property Council (IPC) are eligible to attend at a significantly discounted rate. Additional discounts available to event sponsors and partners.
 
Presentation topics may include:
 

• Protecting Brands on Mega Online Marketplaces
• The U.S. Government is Your Ally
• Strategic Use of TROs for Trade Shows
• Is Inside Counsel Required to Fight Infringers?
• Practical Tactics for Fighting Gray Market Goods
• Why Do the Bad Guys Pick on the Aftermarket?
• IP Activities in China

 
Details about the AASA IP Forum, including registration, hotel accommodations and agenda, is here. More information about the IPC, its programs and initiatives is available here.
 
About AASA
 
AASA (www.aftermarketsuppliers.org) exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products, an important part of the automotive parts manufacturing industry which supports 871,000 American jobs. AASA is a recognized industry change agent – promoting a collaborative industry environment, providing a forum to address issues and serving as a valued resource for members. AASA is the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). “AASA, The Voice for the Automotive Aftermarket Supplier Industry”