Homeland Security to Present at Aftermarket IP Forum

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – AASA’s Intellectual Property Council (IPC) and its partner organizations will host William Ross, senior advisor to the Director of the Department of Homeland Security’s National IPR Coordination Center, at the inaugural Aftermarket IP Forum on Aug. 15 at the Ford Conference Center in Dearborn, Mich. Mr. Ross will deliver the event’s keynote presentation, “The U.S. Government is Your Ally.”
 
During his talk, Mr. Ross will share the many ways that aftermarket brand owners can utilize government agencies, programs, and resources to protect their intellectual property rights (IPR) and help agents and agencies better pursue violators.
  
“The automotive industry has enjoyed a strong relationship with the IPRC, and we look forward to Mr. Ross’ insightful presentation,” said Chris Gardner, senior vice president for the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). “The Aftermarket IP Forum partner organizations are looking forward to learning how we can take this relationship and the utilization of government resources to the next level to make a material difference in the fight against IP violations.”
 
Those expected to attend the event include legal counsels, brand managers, product managers and other professionals engaged in protecting IPR for aftermarket companies.
 
Partner organizations for the Aftermarket IP Forum include AASA, Battery Council International, MEMA, National IPR Center, National Automotive Service Task Force, SEMA and the American Bearing Manufacturers Association.
 
Event sponsors include Alibaba, Pattishall McAuliffe, and Rutan & Tucker.
 
Additional information about the Aftermarket IP Forum can be accessed by visiting the event website.