Manufacturers Address $12 Billion Global Problem: Counterfeiting and Non-Compliant Auto Parts

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Aug. 7 -- Counterfeiting and non-compliant parts cost the U.S. automotive industry nearly $3 billion and costs the global industry $12 billion each year. The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), North America's largest trade association of automotive parts manufacturers, will present a full day of speakers discussing the impact of counterfeit parts and intellectual property right violations in the automotive industry on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2003, at the Dearborn Hyatt, Dearborn, Mich.

"This is a problem that affects the entire automotive supply chain -- automakers, suppliers and ultimately the consumer," said Brian Duggan, MEMA director of international programs. "Counterfeit parts result in lost jobs for workers, safety risks for drivers and passengers, and inferior quality parts for auto service providers."

A high profile lineup of industry experts will discuss numerous topics including:

  *  The impact to the automotive industry and supplier
  *  Safety implications of the counterfeiting issue
  *  What can and should government do to help
  *  What suppliers can do to protect their intellectual property
  *  What other industries have done to combat this issue

  Speakers include:
  *  Brian Monks, Underwriter Laboratories, and board member of the
     International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition
  *  Tom Strohm, ACDelco
  *  Ed Wetter, Ford Motor Co.
  *  Sharon Barner, Foley & Lardner
  *  Mark Turnage, author of "Counterfeiting Exposed: Protecting Your Brand
     and Customers"
  *  Tony Lupo, Arent Fox
  *  Charles Schill, Foley & Lardner
  *  Ed Zimmer, ECCO
  *  Joe Pulmin, Delco Remy
  *  Jason Bonin, Hella North America
  *  Jon Shackelford, Federal-Mogul

The seminar also will include displays of non-compliant and counterfeit products.

MEMA is holding the conference in conjunction with its three market segment associations -- Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association, Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association and Original Equipment Suppliers Association. The event is sponsored by Foley & Lardner.

Members of MEMA and its three market segment associations can attend the seminar for $295 if registered before Wednesday, Sept. 10, or $395 after Sept. 10. The nonmember cost is $450 before the early bird deadline, and $525 after Sept. 10. Registration information is available by contacting Amy Matthews, 919-549-4800 or amatthews@mema.org .