DEARBORN, MI — MEMA presented its second annual seminar dedicated to the issue of counterfeiting of automotive and truck parts. The event, “Taking Action Against Automotive/Truck Parts Counterfeiting, Diversion and IPR Violations” was held on Monday, April 5 at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Mich.

Described by Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Vice President Paul Foley as a “major industry initiative,” the seminar was developed to educate the industry on the nuances of counterfeiting, share best practices, solicit media support and provide networking and exhibitor opportunities. Playing off the information provided in the first seminar, this year’s event provided more in-depth information on what some aftermarket companies are doing to address the issue, as well as expanded question-and-answer sessions. The day also included booths for exhibitors offering anti-counterfeiting solutions and a networking reception.

While counterfeiting has been an issue in the aftermarket for a number of years, Foley noted that following last year’s seminar — held in October 2003 — a number of major industry players took a more active role in addressing the issue, including Mark IV/Dayco, PPG, Delco Remy and Tenneco. Representatives from Tenneco addressed this year’s crowd with a presentation outlining the steps the company took in finding and stopping several APPEX exhibitors from displaying counterfeit Tenneco parts at last year’s show.

This year’s event began with a breakdown of the different legal definitions of counterfeiting, as well as an explanation for the different types of resolution that are available. A number of this year’s speakers focused on the idea of “preventative” measures — taking steps to make the possibility of counterfeiting your company’s product even more difficult.

Presentations at this year’s event included:

Defining the Issue: Understanding Counterfeiting, Diversion/Grey Market and Intellectual Property Right Violations with Sharon Barner, chairperson, Intellectual Property Litigation Practice Group, Foley & Lardner;

Best Practices: What One Supplier Is Doing to Stop Counterfeiting, with Anna Frueh, Corporate Counsel, Tenneco Automotive and Jim Lewis, chief engineer, Elastomers, Tenneco Automotive;

Working with Automakers to Protect Your Intellectual Property, John Bulger Corporate Counsel, Hella North America and Ana Lopes, director of Government Relations, MEMA

Stopping Diversion Tony Bol Manager of Investigations, General Motors and Anthony Lupo, partner and co-chair, Intellectual Property Practice, Arent Fox

Dealing With China, Lindsay Esler, managing partner, Deacons and Catherine Sun, lawyer, Deacons

Best Practices: What the Pharmaceutical Industry Is Doing to Combat the Problem, Matt Van Hook, senior counsel, Holland & Knight, Representing the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)

How the Government Can Help, Doug Doan, business liason director for Border & Transportation Security U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Return on Investment Model; Justifying the Cost to Fight These Challenges, Tracy Mortenson, senior account manager, 3M Corp

Trade Association Actions in Washington, D.C., Brian Duggan, director of International Programs, MEMA

All of the presentations that took place at the seminar will be available on MEMA’s Web site, on April 12. For more information, go to: www.mema.org