Government Affairs Research

Intellectual Property Rights Guide

moniqued@sema.org — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 11:12:52 -0800

All businesses have tangible assets: buildings, machines, and accounts receivable. Companies have intangible assets too: trademarks, patents, copyrights, reputation, and goodwill. SEMA places a high premium on the protection of trademarks, patents, and copyrights, also known as intellectual property (IP). Through this guide, we will describe these types of IP, the benefits of getting a mark or patent registered with the appropriate federal authorities, the application process, and the benefits of registration.

Energy Challenges Facing the United States

moniqued@sema.org — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 13:04:21 -0800

I am not the world’s greatest authority on the subject of cars and propulsion systems, but I’m probably pretty high on the list in Congress. Some people want cars to go away entirely. Others think we are headed to all electrics, all hybrids or fuel cells. Of course, there are 130 million cars and trucks in the United States today, which are almost entirely powered by gasoline.

You Get What You Deserve

moniqued@sema.org — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:15:53 -0700

The issues currently facing the United States and all of its industries are among the most important we’ve faced in the nation’s history. If ever there was an alarm sounding for small business in America, it is blaring now. SEMA members need to read this column and become active and aggressive about supporting the lawmakers who support our industry and small businesses across America. Otherwise, we’ll only get what apathy deserves, and that is not acceptable.

Protect Your Business by Protecting Your Intellectual Property

moniqued@sema.org — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 17:07:04 -0800

Any good idea or product is worth protecting—especially if it’s the mainstay of your business’ success. However, the process of protecting your intellectual property (IP) may seem daunting.

SEMA Black Book: EPA Interim Tampering Enforcement Policy

moniqued@sema.org — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:15:43 -0700

The purpose of this Memorandum is to state the interim policy of EPA with regard to enforcement of the “tampering” prohibition--Section 203 (a) (3)--of the Clean Air Act.

SEMA Black Book: Simplified Steps to Obtaining a CARB E.O.

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:18:51 -0700

This document lists step by step the process for obtaining an Executive Order (EO). It also includes some helpful comments and suggestions for making your way through the process and coming away with a successful experience.

SEMA Black Book: Description of California Emissions Compliance Program for Aftermarket Parts

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:17:51 -0700

This document summarizes the California Parts Exemption Program.

SEMA Black Book: Procedures for Exemption of Add-On and Modified Parts

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:16:51 -0700

Some of the topics discussed here include: procedures for the exemption of parts; general criteria; compliance criteria; vehicle selection; and test procedures.

SEMA Black Book: Helpful Hints for Obtaining CARB E.O.

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:15:51 -0700

This document includes some helpful hints an advice on getting your products in order before you apply for an EO. It also provides some information on what you should know before starting the testing process.

SEMA Black Book: Helpful Hints for Emissions Testing OBDII Compliant Vehicles

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:14:51 -0700

Helpful hints for testing an OBDII compliant vehicle.

SEMA Black Book: Certification Guidelines for Diesel Performance Parts Manufacturers

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:13:51 -0700

This document explains the guidelines for diesel vehicles.

SEMA Black Book: Retailing Specialty and Performance Aftermarket Parts

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:12:51 -0700

This document includes a summary of the Clean Air Act. It describes vehicles that are regulated and those that are not regulated.

SEMA Black Book: Flow Chart for Vehicle Emissions Testing

moniqued@sema.org — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:11:51 -0700

This is a simple flow chart outlining the EO process.

SEMA Black Book: CARB E.O. Application Forms

moniqued@sema.org — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:10:51 -0700

This document is the actual application to be used for applying for an Executive Order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

SEMA Black Book: Compliance Criteria

moniqued@sema.org — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:09:51 -0700

This document contains a checklist of Compliance Criteria.

SEMA Black Book: Sample CARB E.O Label

moniqued@sema.org — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:08:51 -0700

This is a sample of what an EO label looks like.

SEMA Black Book: Q &A About Retail Sales of Specialty and Performance Aftermarket Parts

moniqued@sema.org — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:07:51 -0700

This document list some frequently asked questions and their responses regarding aftermarket parts.

SEMA Black Book: Independent Laboratories Equipped to Conduct Exhaust/Evaporative Emissions Tests

moniqued@sema.org — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:06:51 -0700

This is a list of labs that the Air Resources Board has accepted for compliance testing.

SEMA Black Book: CARB Brochure - What You Need to Know About Aftermarket and Add-On Parts

moniqued@sema.org — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:05:51 -0700

This contains information provided by CARB, including a list of products involved with EO testing.

SEMA Black Book: Understanding and Complying with EPA’s Interim Tampering Enforcement Policy (Memorandum 1A)

moniqued@sema.org — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:04:51 -0700

This is a copy of the EPA’s Memorandum 1A, as well as descriptions of some of its clauses.

SEMA Black Book: Glossary of Terms

moniqued@sema.org — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:03:51 -0700

The glossary includes some commonly used terms associated with emissions, emissions-related products and the EO process.

SEMA Black Book: General Information

moniqued@sema.org — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:02:51 -0700

This product contains documents developed by the EPA and CARB, as well as a list of available test facilities and the application forms for obtaining an E.O.

SEMA Black Book: SEMA-Developed Content

moniqued@sema.org — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:01:51 -0700

This is a combination of all of the SEMA-developed content of the Black Book. It includes each of the individual items above that have a price of $19.95 associated with them. By purchasing this, you will receive all of the priced documents together. Over the years, SEMA has received many requests from members seeking information about Federal and State emissions compliance requirements.

Proven Performance

moniqued@sema.org — Fri, 01 May 2009 14:34:41 -0700

The laws and regulations that govern how SEMA members do business have an increased and growing impact on the way automotive specialty-equipment products are made, distributed and marketed. SEMA has a proven legislative and regulatory program led by a fulltime professional staff based in Washington, D.C., that continually works on behalf of the membership.

Customized Solutions to Industry Challenges

moniqued@sema.org — Fri, 01 May 2009 14:12:39 -0700

Officials across the country are constantly working on legislative and regulatory proposals that have a direct impact on our industry and your customers. The SEMA Government Affairs Office advocates in support of pro-industry initiatives, and when needed, opposes unfair or restrictive legislation. Here are just a few of the issues facing each of the market segments within our industry.