Rep. Darrell Issa’s bill would shorten patents on auto repair partsRep. Darrell Issa’s bill would shorten patents on auto repair parts
WASHINGTON — US Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., reintroduced a bill Wednesday that would amend US patent laws by reducing the time automakers can enforce design patents on collision repair parts to two and a half years from 14 years against aftermarket parts suppliers. The bill — known as the Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation, or SMART, Act — would apply to automotive components, such as fenders, quarter panels and doors, and only affect aftermarket repair parts. It would not alter the 14-year period in which automakers can enforce design patents against other automakers. The revived legislation is supported by… [...]