By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
 Suspected counterfeit products are seized from vendors’ booths at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Photo credit: Omix-ADA |
A U.S. District Court ruled that several off-shore companies violated patents and trademarks owned by Omix-Ada/Rugged Ridge, and had participated in the manufacture of counterfeit products. Omix-ADA is a manufacturer and wholesale distributor for aftermarket replacement Jeep Parts and Jeep Accessories, among other products. The infringement was brought to light when the vendors in question exhibited at the 2016 SEMA and AAPEX Shows in Las Vegas. Based on claims filed with the court, U.S. Marshalls executed search and seizure operations at the shows and placed a temporary halt to the alleged illegal activity.
Some of the infringing companies have entered into undisclosed settlement agreements with guidelines for protecting Omix-Ada/Rugged Ridge’s intellectual property moving forward. The court issues an injunction ordering companies without settlement terms to immediately cease manufacturing, importing and selling the infringing products in the United States. Additionally, the court ordered all marketing materials, catalogs and product inventory to be destroyed and manufacturers tooling surrendered immediately.
SEMA maintains a strict policy on intellectual property rights and protection of such rights. For additional information, visit the SEMA Show website.