The new House bill – Promoting Automotive Repair, Trade, and Sales (PARTS) Act – would amend title 35 of current U.S. design patent law, reducing from 14 to 2.5 years the period during which car companies can enforce their design patents on collision repair parts against alternative suppliers. The period for such enforcement would begin upon the first offer for sale of the car model containing the design patented part in any country. This amendment would enable relatively quick access to affordable substitutions for American car owners, QPC said. Australia and a number of European countries have already passed similar repair clause laws.
“The Quality Parts Coalition praises U.S. Representatives Issa and Lofgren for their leadership in protecting the rights of American drivers,” said Eileen Sottile, executive director of the QPC. “We urge Congress to pass this bill so that consumers can continue to have access to affordable, quality alternative replacement parts.”
If Congress does not act, in some cases, the higher cost of repairs would lead to insurance companies declaring more damaged vehicles as “total wrecks.” As a result, these consumers may be forced to replace a repairable vehicle with a new car – a purchase that for many is not feasible.
The QPC launched a “Write Congress” widget on its website – powered by e-advocacy company POPVOX – to encourage consumers and industry leaders to tell Congress they support this bill.For more information, visit www.KeepAutoPartsAfford able.org.
