Representatives from MAHLE and the Intellectual Property Office of AAPEX management confiscated parts from several exhibitors at the recent AAPEX show held Nov. 3-5 in Las Vegas, for claims that the parties infringed MAHLE’s trademarks and patents, and violated the AAPEX Show rules.

According to the report, three trademark infringements were discovered; two of them resulted in confiscation of the items from the booth and a warning by AAPEX management relating to the AAPEX show rules. MAHLE representatives previously warned one of the companies of infringing on MAHLE trademarks.

In addition, MAHLE representatives are said to have found several exhibitors displaying products with MAHLE patent infringements. With its team of IP lawyers and managers, and accompanied by AAPEX management, MAHLE confiscated the products from the offending exhibitors. MAHLE explained to each party that it actively enforces its intellectual property rights globally and issued warnings to each exhibitor.

“MAHLE takes intellectual property very seriously, and we are appreciative of the partnership with AAPEX management in addressing this acute problem in our industry,” said Jon Douglas, general manager, MAHLE Aftermarket North America. “This combined presence sends a strong message to our customers, our competitors and most importantly the criminals planning to do business in this manner, that we will vigorously protect the intellectual property rights of MAHLE.”