Consumers would have more access to automobile collision repair parts, ultimately lowering repair costs, under bicameral, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA).
Car manufacturers often file design patent infringement claims against collision repair parts manufacturers on the basis that the repair parts too closely resemble the appearance of the original part. This has resulted in car manufacturers driving up the cost of collision repair parts, the lawmakers said.
The Promoting Automotive Repair, Trade and Sales (PARTS) Act would amend U.S. patent law to reduce the period that car manufacturers can enforce design patents on collision repair parts from 14 years to 2.5 years.
“There is no reason why Americans should have to pay unreasonably high prices to repair their cars,” Hatch, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said. “Drivers and insurers should be able to shop around for the best deal rather than being locked into a small number of options. The PARTS Act will encourage competition in the marketplace by providing consumers with a greater choice of affordable, quality alternatives to repair their cars.”
The PARTS Act would also allow aftermarket parts suppliers to research, develop, manufacture and test parts on a not-for-sale basis before the 2.5 year enforcement period ends.
“Purchasing an automobile is one of the biggest investments a family will make,” said Issa, chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee for Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet. As car insurance rates rise at their fastest rate in more than 13 years, families should have access to options to make repairs more affordable, he added.
According to a new survey by AAA, about 64 million Americans would not be able to pay for an unexpected vehicle repair without going into debt. AAA said some drivers may underestimate the full cost of owning and operating a vehicle, with the average repair bill totaling between $500 and $600.
“The PARTS Act increases consumer choice, encourages competition, fosters innovation and will be a big-win for consumers by driving down the costs of these often very expensive repairs,” Issa said.
The bill was introduced along with U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA).