AASA, MEMA share suppliers’ IP struggles

The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) filed written comments with the U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC) outlining the supplier industry’s support for a coordinated intellectual property (IP) effort while also addressing issues of concern for the future.

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Most notably, the issues of concern for suppliers include the length of time that must pass before a rights-holder is notified of questionable shipments and the strengthening of IP enforcement on the Internet.

In the comments, AASA and MEMA encouraged inter-agency coordination, “It is critical that the administration maintain an effective working relationship with Congress in order to enact necessary legislation to protect IP.”

IP protection is imperative for AASA and all of MEMA’s affiliate organizations. AASA and MEMA hope the IPEC will make it as easy as possible for IP rights-holders to enforce their rights under the law and shut down counterfeiters. While these counterfeiters greatly harm the industry’s success, they also put consumers at risk in terms of the health and safety of consumers -- especially when counterfeit goods go undetected and are purchased unintentionally.  

As of 2005, motor vehicle parts suppliers have lost sales revenues of more than $3 billion domestically and $12 billion globally because of counterfeit goods -- a conservative estimate. Global losses for motor vehicle suppliers due to counterfeiting could easily triple or quadruple previous estimates.

About AASA


AASA (www.aftermarketsuppliers.org) exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products. It 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 an affiliate of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). “AASA, The Voice for the Automotive Aftermarket Supplier Industry”

About MEMA


Suppliers manufacture the parts and technology used in domestic production of new cars and trucks produced each year, and the aftermarket products necessary to repair and maintain more than 248 million vehicles on the road today.

MEMA supports its members through its four affiliate associations, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA) and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA). MEMA represents more than 700 member companies with global motor vehicle parts sales exceeding $600 billion and 65 percent of North American automotive supplier sales. For more information on the motor vehicle parts supplier industry, visit www.mema.org.