The AASA Intellectual Property Council Advanced Crucial IP Legislation with Congressional Members During Virtual Fly-In

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.  –  In a series of virtual Fly-In sessions on July 22-23, 2020, members of the AASA Intellectual Property Council (IPC) met with congressional leaders about the urgent need for legislation to protect automotive aftermarket suppliers and support future innovation of motor vehicle technologies. The conversations focused on the endorsement, co-sponsorship, and passage of the SHOP SAFE Act (H.R. 6058) and the INFORM Consumers Act (S. 3431).
 
The SHOP SAFE Act (H.R. 6058), introduced by Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrod Nadler (D-N.Y.), Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, and Rep. Martha Roby (R-Ala.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, would require online sellers to help prevent the sale of counterfeit products to consumers.
 
The INFORM Consumers Act (S. 3431), introduced by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), would help combat the online sale of stolen, counterfeit, and dangerous consumer products by providing for greater transparency of high-volume, third-party sellers on online retail marketplaces. Rep. Jan Schakowsky introduced the House companion version of this bill, H.R. 7756.
 
“Intellectual Property Rights protection that keeps up with the latest advancements in online retailing is critical to the sustained success of motor vehicle parts manufacturers,” said Clayton Lindgren, Sr. Manager Country Approval & Brand Protection, Robert Bosch LLC, and IPC Chairman. “Intellectual Property Rights, including trademarks and brands, are among aftermarket suppliers’ most valuable assets. Programs to protect these rights are essential to supporting future vehicle innovation and the largest sector of manufacturing jobs in the United States.”
 
Legislative staff from the following congressional representatives participated in the discussions:

• Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.)

• Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.)

• Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.-03)

• Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.)

• Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio-07)

• Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.-08)

• Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.)

• Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.)

• Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.-09)

• Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.-11)

• Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)

 
For more information please contact advocacy@mema.org or visit mema.org.
 
About the IPC
The purpose of the IPC is to advance business interests of members by providing a forum for members to learn about, exchange ideas on and discuss market challenges regarding areas that impact patents, copyright, trade dress and other intellectual property.
 
About AASA
The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) connects suppliers of aftermarket parts, chemicals, tools, diagnostics, and technologies to what matters – including industry analysis, peer forums, customer and technology trends, global insights, and government advocacy. Since 1904, AASA’s sole purpose is championing the North American aftermarket industry and advocating for the growth of a profitable, innovative, and influential supplier community. Learn more about how AASA connects members to what matters at aftermarketsuppliers.org.
 
About MEMA
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and its four specialized divisions comprise the leading international trade association in the fast-changing mobility industry. Representing vehicle suppliers that manufacture and remanufacture components, technologies, and systems for use in passenger cars and heavy trucks, MEMA serves as a critical bridge between high-tech capabilities in new vehicles –such as autonomous vehicles and vehicle connectivity—and the “nuts and bolts” of vehicle manufacturing. MEMA works at state, federal, and international levels to ensure that the marketplace and public policy support the development of advanced, transformative technologies that enable safer, smarter, and more efficient vehicles. By directly employing more than 871,000 Americans and generating a total employment impact of 4.26 million jobs, MEMA’s member companies are the largest sector of manufacturing jobs in the U.S. MEMA’s members are represented through four divisions: Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), Association for Sustainable Manufacturing (MERA), and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA). For more information on how MEMA is leading transformation in the mobility industry, visit www.mema.org.