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The Quality Parts Coalition represents the interests of the independent parts industry, insurance industry and consumers.
It is the goal of the Quality Parts Coalition to develop and secure a permanent legislative change to U.S. design patent law to preserve competition and to protect the consumers' right to benefit from quality, lower-cost alternative replacement parts.
*** A Looming Threat ... or Reality? ***
On May 2, Ford Global Technologies filed another section 337 complaint at the International Trade Commission (ITC) against manufacturers and U.S. distributors of auto exterior repair parts. In particular, the suit alleges infringement of design patents for certain exterior repair parts for the 2005 Ford Mustang. This complaint follows on the heels of the previous section 337 complaint filed by Ford Global Technologies relating to the Ford F-150, which resulted in the effective elimination of a competitive choice on seven parts for the nearly 2 million F-150 owners in the U.S.
This suit illustrates now, more than ever, why consumers need Congress to adopt H.R. 5638, legislation that would “create an exception from infringement for certain component parts to repair another article of manufacture.” Click here to read more about the bill and how you can help save American consumers $1.5 billion a year.
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