Automechanika, the large biennial auto equipment trade show at Frankfurt, has launched a campaign against product piracy, and is advising and supporting exhibitors in their fight against counterfeiting. Exhibiters are being encouraged and helped to register their products and trademarks with the relevant design, patent, and trademark offices, and to alert Customs authorities to suspicious goods. The authorities can then stop suspicious consignments, take and investigate samples, and destroy copies. According to the Automobile Manufacturers Association, counterfeit auto parts are a USD $12 billion problem globally.
Frankfurt has arranged for an emergency intellectual-property service during the Automechanika show. If anyone is suspicious about an exhibitor’s products at the show, he can alert the German Customs authorities who will then pay the stand in question a visit.
Automechanika, held every two years alternately with Equip’Auto, showcases a huge range of automotive products, including tuning parts. This year’s show runs from September 16, 2008 to 21 September 21, 2008, Frankfurt expects to welcome over 4,600 exhibitors and 160,000 visitors.