IP Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on PARTS Act

Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at 2:00 p.m., the Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet Subcommittee will hold a legislative hearing to examine H.R. 1057, the Promoting Automotive Repair, Trade, and Sales (PARTS) Act.  The PARTS Act limits the term of protection for patented designs of automotive repair parts used to restore automobiles. Witnesses for Tuesday’s hearing are:

• Mr. Jack Gillis, Director of Public Affairs, Consumer Federation of America
• Ms. Kelly K. Burris, Intellectual Property Attorney, Burris Law, PLLC
• Mrs. Pat Felder, Owner, Felder’s Collision Parts, Inc.
• Mr. Dan Risley, President & Executive Director, Automotive Service Association

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet Subcommittee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) issued the following statements on Tuesday’s hearing. Chairman Goodlatte: “Next week the IP subcommittee will examine the PARTS Act, which reduces the number of years auto makers may sue competitors for infringing their design patents for specific car parts that are typically replaced after collisions.  This hearing will weigh the consequences of such a limitation to determine if the PARTS Act strikes the proper balance between protecting existing intellectual property rights under the Patent Act and creating greater competition in the automotive after-parts industry.” Subcommittee Chairman Issa: “Car repairs are often a necessary, but costly process.  The PARTS Act seeks to change this by about allowing greater car-part competition resulting in lower consumer repair prices and enhanced choice.  I look forward to hearing from key stakeholders about the impact of this proposal.” Tuesday’s hearing will take place in 2141 Rayburn House Office Building and will be webcast live at /. Camera crews wishing to cover must be congressionally-credentialed and RSVP with the House Radio-TV Gallery at (202) 225-5214.