Bendix wins patent case

July 1, 2004
Settling a patent and trademark infringement suit filed last year by Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, Midwest Truck and Auto Parts and its heavy-duty distribution division, World American Auto Parts, have agreed to stop selling copies of Bendix patented products. The out-of-court settlement also calls for the distributor to cease misusing Bendix trademarks in its literature and packaging. One

Settling a patent and trademark infringement suit filed last year by Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, Midwest Truck and Auto Parts and its heavy-duty distribution division, World American Auto Parts, have agreed to stop selling copies of Bendix patented products. The out-of-court settlement also calls for the distributor to cease misusing Bendix trademarks in its literature and packaging.

One of the industry's leading critics of knockoffs and counterfeits in the parts aftermarket, Bendix filed the patent and trademark suit last Oct. in the U.S. District Court in Chicago. The lawsuit charged that Midwest sold heavy-duty vehicle air brake components that infringed on a number of the company's patents and improperly used the Bendix trademarks. It also alleged that such improper use of the trademarks “was likely to cause confusion among purchasers who may think they're buying genuine Bendix replacement parts,” according to a statement released by Bendix CVS.

“At Bendix, we've seen firsthand how high-volume parts — in particular, air brake system components such as valves and air dryers — are among the most commonly counterfeited parts in commercial trucking,” said John Flad, vp-aftermarket sales. “In addition to counterfeiting, we're facing blatant copying of our technology, trademarks, logos, packaging and more. The infiltration and impact of these offshore inferior parts has clearly reached a new dimension.”

Sponsored Recommendations

Tackling the Tech Shortage: Lessons in Recruiting Talent and Reducing Turnover

Discover innovative strategies for recruiting and retaining tech talent in the trucking industry at our April 16th webinar, where experts will share insights on competitive pay...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

How Electric Vehicles Help You Prolong the Life of Your Fleet

Before adopting electric vehicles for commercial/government fleets, prioritize cost inquiries. Maintenance is essential; understand the upkeep of EV fleets. Here’s what you need...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!