SEMA News—December 2014

The SEMA-published guide to help members understand their rights and protect their intellectual property is available online.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Guide to Protect Trademarks, Patents and Copyrights Available Online

SEMA’s new member guide describing the process by which businesses can protect their intellectual property (IP) rights is now available online at www.sema.org/intellectual-property-rights-guide. A hard copy of “Trademarks, Patents & Copyrights: What SEMA Members Need to Know” was also sent to members through the U.S. mail.

SEMA published the guide to help members understand their rights and to protect their investments. It provides a basic overview of the law governing trademarks, patents, copyrights and trade secrets. It’s intended as a reference tool to help identify IP priorities and when to consider working with an attorney who practices IP law.

Whether it is registering an IP or enforcing against counterfeits and infringing products, SEMA strives to provide members with the tools necessary to take those actions.

For additional details, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

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Light-Truck Accessory Market on the Rise

Available to SEMA members at no cost, the 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report provides insight on the niches that comprise the $33 billion specialty-equipment industry.

After hitting a peak in 2007, the light-truck accessory segment was one of the market niches most affected by the recent recession and the past few years of escalated fuel prices. But signs are pointing up, according to SEMA Market Research, as sales for light-truck products reached $5.57 billion in 2013, which is an 8% increase compared to 2012.

A rebound in accessory and appearance products has helped to drive the current growth. A closer look at the market reveals that while off-road product sales have held relatively steady since 2007, they increased more than 6% in 2013. For product categories, manufacturer sales in the off-road market are led by wheel, tire and suspension products, followed by accessory and appearance products, and performance components.

“The light-truck sector has always been an important part of the specialty-equipment market, as trucks are accessorized for a wide variety of applications,” stated Gavin Knapp, SEMA senior market research manager. “With new truck sales on the rise again and the economy stabilizing, the light-truck parts and accessories market looks set to re-emerge as a growth engine for the industry.”

This information and more is available through the recently released 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report. Members can download a free copy of the report. The report provides detailed insight on the compact-
performance, street-performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street-rod and custom, and racing niches.