Amazon and eBay Motors at the AASA Aftermarket IP Forum: Protecting Brands in Mega Online Marketplaces

Representatives from two of the largest online marketplaces will address this vital topic at the aftermarket’s first industrywide IP event hosted by AASA and its partner organizations
 
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The landmark report released this year by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and Roland Berger, one of the leading global consultancy firms, notes a “new retail” aftermarket is emerging – and protecting brands and intellectual property (IP) in this evolving environment is more critical than ever. AASA and its partnering organizations in the 2019 Aftermarket IP Forum will host Amazon and eBay Motors for an examination of this important topic on Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Ford Conference & Events Center in Dearborn, Mich.
 
“An increasing number of aftermarket suppliers are developing strategies for this new retail’ aftermarket,” said Chris Gardner, AASA senior vice president. “This ‘presents new business opportunities but has enabled IP violators to cause damages to brands and sales. We are fortunate that eBay and Amazon have increased their focus on IPR, and at the first-ever Aftermarket IP Forum, they will provide attendees with their strategies and tools for protecting brands and brand IP on their respective marketplaces.”
 
The Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council (A2C2), one of the Aftermarket IP Forum partners, will moderate the online brand protection discussion with Jordan Hettinga, director of merchandising - motors, parts and accessories, eBay Motors, and subject matter experts from Amazon.
 
Other IP topics slated for discussion at the Aftermarket IP Forum are:
 

• The U.S. Government Is Your Ally
• Strategic Use of Temporary Restraining Orders (TRO) for Trade Shows
• Are Inside Resources Required to Fight Infringers?
• Practical Tactics for Fighting Gray Market Goods
• Why Do the Bad Guys Pick on the Aftermarket?
• IP Activities in China

 
The 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) and partner organizations are eligible to attend at a significantly discounted rate.
 
In addition to A2C2, Aftermarket IP Forum partnering organizations 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)

 
Details about the AASA IP Forum, including registration, hotel accommodations and agenda, are here. More information about the IPC, its programs and initiatives is available here.
 
The AASA / Roland Berger report, “Digital Transformation: The ‘New Retail’ Future of the Aftermarket (and How to Win),” is available only to AASA members. For more information about the report, contact info@aftermarketsuppliers.org.
 
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”