ABPA to challenge validity and enforceability of Ford’s design patents
I am writing to inform you of the Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA)’s decision to move forward with a lawsuit vs. Ford Global Technologies. The basis of our lawsuit is to challenge the validity and enforceability of Ford’s design patents on common collision repair parts. The continued sale of these parts is of paramount concern not just for ABPA members and their livelihoods, but also to millions of American consumers who depend on quality alternative collision repair parts for cost effective repairs.
The ABPA Board first started this project in earnest this past summer when we met in Dallas with our attorney, Robert Oake. Attorney Oake specializes in design patent litigation. He is a Registered Patent Attorney and is Board Certified both in Civil Trial Advocacy and Civil Pretrial Practice Advocacy by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification. He holds two LL.M (Master of Law) Degrees, including an LL.M in Patent and Intellectual Property Law (with highest honors) from the George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C. Attorney Oake served as lead trial and appellate counsel for Egyptian Goddess, Inc. in what has been called the most important design patent case in the last one hundred years. He has also successfully served as lead trial and appellate counsel for Mini Melts, Inc. and Tom Mosey in a “save the company” case against Dippin’ Dots, Inc.
The decision to go forward with this lawsuit did not come lightly. The ABPA felt that it was time to make a stand and that if something was not done now, the situation would progressively get worse. The basis of the ABPA is best described by Don Gorman 30 years ago that defines what must be done today. Don stated back in 1983, “not unlike our respective businesses, ABPA will be judged by its proficiency in providing the industry necessary and needed services. We are here to do for one another what we cannot do for ourselves. An association is exactly that – an association by and among like individuals who believe in the common good and who know that by doing it together, we can do it better.”
For further information on this case, please contact the ABPA office at 1-800-323-5832 or contact me through our website.
Edward T. Salamy, Executive Director
Automotive Body Parts Association
