By SEMA News Editors
The SEMA Show--this year November 5-8, in the Las Vegas Convention Center--is the largest automotive specialty-equipment trade event in the world, providing a secure environment for businesses to debut new products. SEMA Show organizers work diligently year-round to ensure that intellectual property (IP) rights are respected and protected, giving companies the confidence to showcase their latest innovations to a global marketplace. At the same time, exhibitors are encouraged to take an active role in protecting their IP before, during and after the event by following simple steps to ensure products are safeguarded. If any issues happen to arise, the SEMA Show team has a strict IP process in place along with resources to support exhibitors.
"SEMA takes the intellectual property rights of our exhibitors very seriously, and that's why we have a process in place to help prevent missteps before they happen," said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. "What we don't want is for our exhibitors to take things into their own hands. We have a strict system of steps, valuable resources and access to top attorneys who can help our exhibitors confidently unveil and introduce new products and innovations safely into the market."
The following is an overview of SEMA's IP rights process, but note if you have any questions, please reach out to your SEMA Show sales representative or call the SEMA Show Office at 909-396-0289. During the event, you may call the on-site office at 702-943-3505 or visit the Show Office in C102 in Central Hall.
SEMA's Intellectual Property Rights Process Helps Protect Companies
Before the SEMA Show, companies need to have their IP registered and well-documented, including securing patents, trademarks or copyrights through the appropriate federal agencies like the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or the U.S. Copyright Office. SEMA encourages all exhibitors to file the necessary paperwork ahead of time, as this can provide critical legal protection. After filing, affirm your rights by properly marking products with appropriate notices like trademark symbols, copyright symbols and--where practicable--patent numbers.
Exhibitors are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence by monitoring their IP rights and potential misuse by third parties to identify possible IP issues before the event. If you suspect that another company may plan to display a product infringing on your IP, notify SEMA as soon as possible for the next steps.
Leading up to the SEMA Show, exhibitors should maintain relevant records, including:
- Relevant application and registration documentation
- Documents related to the adoption, first use and ownership or licensing of IP, including assignment and license agreements
- If applicable, any cease-and-desist- or demand-letters to those suspected of infringing the exhibitor's IP rights
During the SEMA Show, a dedicated IP attorney is on-site and ready to provide legal support and assist exhibitors with any concerns. Suppose an exhibitor has reason to believe another company is infringing on its IP rights. In that case, the exhibitor must file an IP Complaint at the Show Management Office (Room C102 in Central Hall, 702-943-3505). Be sure to have documentation explaining ownership of the applicable rights ready to share in a PDF file along with the completed IP Complaint Form. Exhibitors should avoid direct action themselves, such as loitering and confronting the offending company, to ensure a smooth resolution and avoid legal complications. Note that a SEMA-provided attorney will be on hand for consultation, and any legal counsel an exhibitor may want to bring on-site must be registered under their company's name.
After the SEMA Show, exhibitors should continue to monitor the market for any signs that their products are being misrepresented or infringed upon, plus keep IP rights up to date to protect their business in the long term. Suppose an exhibitor believes that their IP rights have been violated by another SEMA exhibitor after the event. In that case, they should contact SEMA management at 909-396-0289 and pursue legal action through the court system. This process can involve filing an injunction or sending cease-and-desist letters to the infringing party.
By taking a three-pronged approach--before, during, and after the SEMA Show--exhibitors can protect their products and IP effectively. The SEMA Show continues to be a safe and supportive environment to foster innovation, and with resources and on-site legal assistance, exhibitors have the tools needed to navigate IP concerns confidently, allowing them to focus on maximizing business opportunities.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the SEMA Show Office at 909-396-0289.