Alleges several companies illegally profiting from Delco Remy technology
ANDERSON, Ind., Nov. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Delco Remy International, Inc.,
filed a patent infringement lawsuit today in the United States Federal
District Court in Indiana, against Unipoint Electric Manufacturing Ltd. of
Taiwan, NSA Corporation of Sterling, Virginia and Unit Parts Corporation of
Oklahoma City. This lawsuit concerns various automotive alternators and
starters, containing Delco Remy's patented proprietary technology, which these
companies make and/or import, use, and sell to major distributors and/or
retailers in the United States. Delco Remy has requested both injunctive
relief and damages in its Complaint.
Delco Remy asserts that this activity infringes on its United States
Patents No. 4,604,538; 5,268,605; 5,307,700; and 5,252,878. Delco Remy is
concerned that certain companies are supplying the market with patent-
infringing products sourced from China, as well as other countries. These
sources are channeling new "knock-off" parts into the automotive aftermarket,
which has traditionally used remanufactured products.
Richard L. Stanley, President of Delco Remy's Original Equipment group
stated, "Counterfeit and patent-infringing, automotive, replacement parts have
become a major problem for the industry. The copied products may look like
our patented designs, but typically do not meet the design specifications in
terms of functionality, quality and durability. Customers may incorrectly
assume that a new knock-off part is a better choice than a remanufactured
original equipment part. We are very proud of our engineering capabilities
and the performance of our products. We will aggressively defend our patents
against infringement."
In addition to bringing the lawsuit, Delco Remy is also delivering cease
and desist notifications to more than 30 smaller manufacturers and
distributors who are involved in similar practices. These companies make
little or no investment in technology and subsist by copying the intellectual
property of legitimate automotive manufacturers. Major national distributors
and/or retailers, who may have unsuspectingly purchased patent-infringing
parts from the companies named in the Complaint, are being advised of the
lawsuit.
The Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) estimates that
counterfeit and patent-infringing replacement automotive parts are costing the
global automotive industry approximately $12 billion annually. Delco Remy
joins a growing list of major manufacturers taking a proactive position to
ensure consumer confidence.
"Our objective is to protect the integrity of all legitimate manufacturers
and remanufacturers in the market place. These actions will in no way hinder
anyone's ability to repair or remanufacture products for the automotive
aftermarket," said Richard L. Keister, President of Delco Remy's Aftermarket.
Delco Remy International, Inc., headquartered in Anderson, Indiana, is a
leading designer, manufacturer, remanufacturer and distributor of electrical,
drivetrain/powertrain and related products and core exchange service for
automobiles and light trucks, medium- and heavy-duty trucks and other heavy-
duty off-road and industrial applications. It was formed in 1994 as a partial
divestiture by General Motors Corporation of the former Delco Remy division,
which traces its roots to Remy Electric, founded in 1896. More information is
available at the company's website: http://www.delcoremy.com
SOURCE Delco Remy International, Inc.
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http://www.delcoremy.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/111635.html
CONTACT:
John Pyzik of Delco Remy, +1-317-590-7934
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