SEMA Vice President, Government and Legal Affairs Daniel Ingber moderated a one-hour panel with Curtiss Dossier, partner at Knobbe Martens and David Abrahams, associate at Webster, Chamberlain & Bean. The IPR attorneys provided a useful checklist of best practices of how to grow your export sales while taking necessary steps to protect your brand and identity from overseas infringers.

To help members navigate IP issues, SEMA maintains informational materials online and staff is available year-round to help answer IP-related questions.

The federal government also has a handy website listing best practices for companies to protect their IP abroad. Included on the comprehensive site is an online course and a list of upcoming events.

Ultimately, companies may need legal counsel outside of SEMA and the U.S. government to represent your interests and advise on specifics, but both SEMA and the U.S. government are available to provide information and help guide members in the right direction.

SEMA recently hosted a webinar on the Saudi Arabian product testing program known as Saber-Saleem.  Saudi distributors are reporting increased Saudi customs enforcement for imported products. From toys to cosmetics to automotive aftermarket products, every shipment imported into Saudi Arabia is required to be accompanied by the correct documentation.  Joel Molina, International Trade Specialist at SGS provided an overview of the regulations for automotive aftermarket products.

• SEMA News article on Saber Saleem 
• Joel Molina SGS international trade specialist's webinar presentation 
• List of the six North American based Saudi government approved certifying bodies 
• Regulated/non-regulated product by HS Code 
• Self-declaration guidelines