Patent, Trademark or Copyright Questions? Ask the Experts for Free
Thu, 10/15/2009 - 12:38

Learn about developing and protecting your intellectual property (IP) rights for your products and business without the strain of legal jargon. During the webinar, "Patents, Trademarks, & Copyrights: Ask the Experts," top attorneys in the specialty-equipment market will answer your IP questions on issues that make an impact on your company. The attorneys are experts on patents, trademarks, trade secrets and copyrights and will dedicate the entire 60-minute panel discussion to answering your questions. You may even submit your questions in advance. Simply e-mail your query to member@sema.org. The webinar is set for Thursday, October 22, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. (PST).

Presented by:

  • Merritt R. Blakeslee, The Blakeslee Law Firm
  • Steve Lustig, Dickinson Wright PLLC
  • Robb Roby, Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear
  • Stuart Gosswein, SEMA (Moderator)

Sample webinar questions will include:

  • How do I develop a business plan to secure and enforce IP rights?
  • What are the general costs for registering copyrights and trademarks and obtaining patents?
  • If someone violates my IP rights, how much will it cost to stop them?
  • Are there tips for policing my IP without incurring huge fees?
  • What’s the difference between an impermissible copy of a design patent and a fair-use?
  • Does IP protection in the United States apply overseas?
  • What are some things I can do to enforce my IP rights in foreign countries?
  • Do I need to record my trademark and copyright with Customs? Can I record my patent with Customs?
  • What if someone knocks off my product and puts their name on it?
  • What can I do about gray market (unauthorized) sales of my product?
  • How can I use the copyright laws to protect my specialty-equipment products?
  • How do I protect the “look” of my products? What is the difference between a design patent and a trademark registration on the trade dress of my product?

Background Resources


Disclaimer: All questions must be generic in nature and must not reference individuals, companies or actual circumstances. This webinar is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to be, and should not be, relied upon as legal advice or a recommended course of action in any given situation.

Register: Learn more information about this webinar or sign up now. If you are unable to participate, this webinar will be available to download the same day at the conclusion of the webinar.

SEMA's Webinar Program: The SEMA webinar program brings the world-class business seminars featured during the SEMA Show right to your desktop. Different business-building sessions are constantly added to the program, offering members the latest insight and practices from today’s leading speakers.

All SEMA webinars are conducted live and are open to all employees of SEMA-member companies free of charge. To participate, all you need is a computer with Internet access and a telephone. All previous SEMA webinars are available for download. Learn more about SEMA webinars and view upcoming presentations.

Patent, Trademark or Copyright Questions? Ask the Experts for Free
Thu, 10/15/2009 - 12:38

Learn about developing and protecting your intellectual property (IP) rights for your products and business without the strain of legal jargon. During the webinar, "Patents, Trademarks, & Copyrights: Ask the Experts," top attorneys in the specialty-equipment market will answer your IP questions on issues that make an impact on your company. The attorneys are experts on patents, trademarks, trade secrets and copyrights and will dedicate the entire 60-minute panel discussion to answering your questions. You may even submit your questions in advance. Simply e-mail your query to member@sema.org. The webinar is set for Thursday, October 22, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. (PST).

Presented by:

  • Merritt R. Blakeslee, The Blakeslee Law Firm
  • Steve Lustig, Dickinson Wright PLLC
  • Robb Roby, Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear
  • Stuart Gosswein, SEMA (Moderator)

Sample webinar questions will include:

  • How do I develop a business plan to secure and enforce IP rights?
  • What are the general costs for registering copyrights and trademarks and obtaining patents?
  • If someone violates my IP rights, how much will it cost to stop them?
  • Are there tips for policing my IP without incurring huge fees?
  • What’s the difference between an impermissible copy of a design patent and a fair-use?
  • Does IP protection in the United States apply overseas?
  • What are some things I can do to enforce my IP rights in foreign countries?
  • Do I need to record my trademark and copyright with Customs? Can I record my patent with Customs?
  • What if someone knocks off my product and puts their name on it?
  • What can I do about gray market (unauthorized) sales of my product?
  • How can I use the copyright laws to protect my specialty-equipment products?
  • How do I protect the “look” of my products? What is the difference between a design patent and a trademark registration on the trade dress of my product?

Background Resources


Disclaimer: All questions must be generic in nature and must not reference individuals, companies or actual circumstances. This webinar is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to be, and should not be, relied upon as legal advice or a recommended course of action in any given situation.

Register: Learn more information about this webinar or sign up now. If you are unable to participate, this webinar will be available to download the same day at the conclusion of the webinar.

SEMA's Webinar Program: The SEMA webinar program brings the world-class business seminars featured during the SEMA Show right to your desktop. Different business-building sessions are constantly added to the program, offering members the latest insight and practices from today’s leading speakers.

All SEMA webinars are conducted live and are open to all employees of SEMA-member companies free of charge. To participate, all you need is a computer with Internet access and a telephone. All previous SEMA webinars are available for download. Learn more about SEMA webinars and view upcoming presentations.

Patent, Trademark or Copyright Questions? Ask the Experts for Free
Thu, 10/15/2009 - 12:38

Learn about developing and protecting your intellectual property (IP) rights for your products and business without the strain of legal jargon. During the webinar, "Patents, Trademarks, & Copyrights: Ask the Experts," top attorneys in the specialty-equipment market will answer your IP questions on issues that make an impact on your company. The attorneys are experts on patents, trademarks, trade secrets and copyrights and will dedicate the entire 60-minute panel discussion to answering your questions. You may even submit your questions in advance. Simply e-mail your query to member@sema.org. The webinar is set for Thursday, October 22, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. (PST).

Presented by:

  • Merritt R. Blakeslee, The Blakeslee Law Firm
  • Steve Lustig, Dickinson Wright PLLC
  • Robb Roby, Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear
  • Stuart Gosswein, SEMA (Moderator)

Sample webinar questions will include:

  • How do I develop a business plan to secure and enforce IP rights?
  • What are the general costs for registering copyrights and trademarks and obtaining patents?
  • If someone violates my IP rights, how much will it cost to stop them?
  • Are there tips for policing my IP without incurring huge fees?
  • What’s the difference between an impermissible copy of a design patent and a fair-use?
  • Does IP protection in the United States apply overseas?
  • What are some things I can do to enforce my IP rights in foreign countries?
  • Do I need to record my trademark and copyright with Customs? Can I record my patent with Customs?
  • What if someone knocks off my product and puts their name on it?
  • What can I do about gray market (unauthorized) sales of my product?
  • How can I use the copyright laws to protect my specialty-equipment products?
  • How do I protect the “look” of my products? What is the difference between a design patent and a trademark registration on the trade dress of my product?

Background Resources


Disclaimer: All questions must be generic in nature and must not reference individuals, companies or actual circumstances. This webinar is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to be, and should not be, relied upon as legal advice or a recommended course of action in any given situation.

Register: Learn more information about this webinar or sign up now. If you are unable to participate, this webinar will be available to download the same day at the conclusion of the webinar.

SEMA's Webinar Program: The SEMA webinar program brings the world-class business seminars featured during the SEMA Show right to your desktop. Different business-building sessions are constantly added to the program, offering members the latest insight and practices from today’s leading speakers.

All SEMA webinars are conducted live and are open to all employees of SEMA-member companies free of charge. To participate, all you need is a computer with Internet access and a telephone. All previous SEMA webinars are available for download. Learn more about SEMA webinars and view upcoming presentations.

Patent, Trademark or Copyright Questions? Ask the Experts for Free
Thu, 10/15/2009 - 12:38

Learn about developing and protecting your intellectual property (IP) rights for your products and business without the strain of legal jargon. During the webinar, "Patents, Trademarks, & Copyrights: Ask the Experts," top attorneys in the specialty-equipment market will answer your IP questions on issues that make an impact on your company. The attorneys are experts on patents, trademarks, trade secrets and copyrights and will dedicate the entire 60-minute panel discussion to answering your questions. You may even submit your questions in advance. Simply e-mail your query to member@sema.org. The webinar is set for Thursday, October 22, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. (PST).

Presented by:

  • Merritt R. Blakeslee, The Blakeslee Law Firm
  • Steve Lustig, Dickinson Wright PLLC
  • Robb Roby, Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear
  • Stuart Gosswein, SEMA (Moderator)

Sample webinar questions will include:

  • How do I develop a business plan to secure and enforce IP rights?
  • What are the general costs for registering copyrights and trademarks and obtaining patents?
  • If someone violates my IP rights, how much will it cost to stop them?
  • Are there tips for policing my IP without incurring huge fees?
  • What’s the difference between an impermissible copy of a design patent and a fair-use?
  • Does IP protection in the United States apply overseas?
  • What are some things I can do to enforce my IP rights in foreign countries?
  • Do I need to record my trademark and copyright with Customs? Can I record my patent with Customs?
  • What if someone knocks off my product and puts their name on it?
  • What can I do about gray market (unauthorized) sales of my product?
  • How can I use the copyright laws to protect my specialty-equipment products?
  • How do I protect the “look” of my products? What is the difference between a design patent and a trademark registration on the trade dress of my product?

Background Resources


Disclaimer: All questions must be generic in nature and must not reference individuals, companies or actual circumstances. This webinar is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to be, and should not be, relied upon as legal advice or a recommended course of action in any given situation.

Register: Learn more information about this webinar or sign up now. If you are unable to participate, this webinar will be available to download the same day at the conclusion of the webinar.

SEMA's Webinar Program: The SEMA webinar program brings the world-class business seminars featured during the SEMA Show right to your desktop. Different business-building sessions are constantly added to the program, offering members the latest insight and practices from today’s leading speakers.

All SEMA webinars are conducted live and are open to all employees of SEMA-member companies free of charge. To participate, all you need is a computer with Internet access and a telephone. All previous SEMA webinars are available for download. Learn more about SEMA webinars and view upcoming presentations.

Patent, Trademark or Copyright Questions? Ask the Experts for Free
Thu, 10/15/2009 - 12:38

Learn about developing and protecting your intellectual property (IP) rights for your products and business without the strain of legal jargon. During the webinar, "Patents, Trademarks, & Copyrights: Ask the Experts," top attorneys in the specialty-equipment market will answer your IP questions on issues that make an impact on your company. The attorneys are experts on patents, trademarks, trade secrets and copyrights and will dedicate the entire 60-minute panel discussion to answering your questions. You may even submit your questions in advance. Simply e-mail your query to member@sema.org. The webinar is set for Thursday, October 22, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. (PST).

Presented by:

  • Merritt R. Blakeslee, The Blakeslee Law Firm
  • Steve Lustig, Dickinson Wright PLLC
  • Robb Roby, Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear
  • Stuart Gosswein, SEMA (Moderator)

Sample webinar questions will include:

  • How do I develop a business plan to secure and enforce IP rights?
  • What are the general costs for registering copyrights and trademarks and obtaining patents?
  • If someone violates my IP rights, how much will it cost to stop them?
  • Are there tips for policing my IP without incurring huge fees?
  • What’s the difference between an impermissible copy of a design patent and a fair-use?
  • Does IP protection in the United States apply overseas?
  • What are some things I can do to enforce my IP rights in foreign countries?
  • Do I need to record my trademark and copyright with Customs? Can I record my patent with Customs?
  • What if someone knocks off my product and puts their name on it?
  • What can I do about gray market (unauthorized) sales of my product?
  • How can I use the copyright laws to protect my specialty-equipment products?
  • How do I protect the “look” of my products? What is the difference between a design patent and a trademark registration on the trade dress of my product?

Background Resources


Disclaimer: All questions must be generic in nature and must not reference individuals, companies or actual circumstances. This webinar is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to be, and should not be, relied upon as legal advice or a recommended course of action in any given situation.

Register: Learn more information about this webinar or sign up now. If you are unable to participate, this webinar will be available to download the same day at the conclusion of the webinar.

SEMA's Webinar Program: The SEMA webinar program brings the world-class business seminars featured during the SEMA Show right to your desktop. Different business-building sessions are constantly added to the program, offering members the latest insight and practices from today’s leading speakers.

All SEMA webinars are conducted live and are open to all employees of SEMA-member companies free of charge. To participate, all you need is a computer with Internet access and a telephone. All previous SEMA webinars are available for download. Learn more about SEMA webinars and view upcoming presentations.

Photo Gallery—Lexus IS Series From the 2008 SEMA Show
Thu, 10/15/2009 - 12:38
 0-60- Magazine's Lexus IS
 0-60 Magazine's Lexus IS-F project at the 2008 SEMA Show.
A photo collection of the Lexus IS series from the 2008 SEMA Show. For information on the 2009 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.
Photo Gallery—Lexus IS Series From the 2008 SEMA Show
Thu, 10/15/2009 - 12:38
 0-60- Magazine's Lexus IS
 0-60 Magazine's Lexus IS-F project at the 2008 SEMA Show.
A photo collection of the Lexus IS series from the 2008 SEMA Show. For information on the 2009 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.
Movers & Shakers: Walt Siklich Forms AutoRep Sales Company Inc.; SoffSeal Names Monte Stetler President, CEO
Thu, 10/15/2009 - 12:38

Walt Siklich, formerly of Michael A. Kunzman & Associates, has left the company to form his own sales and marketing agency, AutoRep Sales Company Inc. “With nearly 30 years of experience calling on and servicing some of the leading accounts and manufacturers in the performance industry, I am truly excited to apply my skills and knowledge to the many challenges and opportunities that will lie ahead,” stated Siklich. Contact Siklich at Autorep Sales Company Inc., 4961 Rands Rd., Bloomfield, MI 48302; 248/539-9327.

BFGoodrich Tires and BlueRibbon Coalition announced a partnership that the two organizations believe will benefit off-roaders and off-road trails. BFGoodrich Tires will make a $5 donation to the BlueRibbon Coalition for each of its new 10 sizes of BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/AKM2 tires sold between August 2009 and December 2009.

Butch Lahmann Jr. announced that he is now back in the automotive aftermarket industry with the online media company CarDomain Network. Lahmann grew up in the aftermarket industry with his family’s business American Specialty Equipment Corp. He also worked in the marketing department at Keystone Automotive for a few years. He left the WD side of the business and went to work for Primedia as its Eastern ad director for the International Automotive Group (titles and sites included; Super Street, Sport Compact Car, European Car and more) in New York City. After Primedia, Lahmann went into the outdoor sports industry and worked on media sales for both InterMedia Outdoors and Gorilla Nation. He is now back in the automotive aftermarket with CarDomain Network as its senior account manager for the East Coast. Based out of New York City, Lahmann can be reached at walter.lahmann@cardomain.com.

The Car Care Council earned a top award from North American Precis Syndicate Inc. (NAPS) for its consumer radio feature, “Keeping Your Car Can Save You Money.” The feature was honored for superior achievement in media relations with the prestigious Certificate of Excellence. The popular radio story generated a high volume of 665 placements by America’s radio broadcasters, ranking in the top 1% of all radio features distributed to the media by NAPS.

Mitchell 1 is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its Mitchell 1 DIY program (aka eAutoRepair.net) by offering a special promotion. For a limited time, when automotive do-it-yourselfers sign up for a month of Mitchell 1 DIY for only $15, they will receive an additional week of service for free. Mitchell 1 DIY provides professional instructions and illustrations for mechanical repair procedures, complete maintenance information and service schedules, factory service tips and more.

Jeff Crutchfield was named the regional sales manager for Boge America Inc. to provide sales and technical support to a growing distributor network in the south. He is responsible for managing and developing the distributor network from Alabama to Southern California. Crutchfield has spent more than 30 years in the compressed-air industry working for a number of well-known manufacturers in the design and sales fields.

SoffSeal announced that Monte Stetler is the new president and CEO of the 29-year-old restoration company. Contact SoffSeal at 800/426-0902.

After two years of research and development, the Spectre Performance SpeedLiner is officially in the record books as the fastest Cadillac and Blown Gas Streamliner on earth. Competing in the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) AA/BGS class for streamlined vehicles running on gasoline, the Cadillac-powered SpeedLiner averaged 330.9 mph over the course of two runs with veteran driver Kenny Hoover at the wheel. Complete information and a video of the record-breaking run are available at http://spectreperformance.com/blog.

Direct Injection, Exhaust, Diesel Tech Among Free Product Trainings at 2009 SEMA Show
Thu, 10/15/2009 - 12:38
 SEMA Show Exhibitor Training
 You won't learn how to pull bat shapes from a plasma cutter, but you can learn hours of other valuable product knowledge through SEMA Show exhibitor training sessions.

Don't miss the following FREE exhibitor product training sessions during the 2009 SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center's North Hall, Room N252:

Tuesday, November 3, 10:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Finixx New Technology Co.: A Breakthrough Technology for Complete Protected Safety Tire.
Safety tires will become essential standard equipment on automobiles. Develop new processing technology and production equipment for a series of self-healing and omni-bearing protection safety tires, including bulletproof rims.

Tuesday, November 3, 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
eBay Motors: How to Sell Online
Listing basics, best practices, and introduction to the largest online parts and accessories marketplace.

Tuesday, November 3, 2:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Finixx New Technology Co.: A Breakthrough Technology for Complete Protected Safety Tire.
Safety tires will become essential standard equipment on automobiles. Develop new processing technology and production equipment for a series of self-healing and omni-bearing protection safety tires, including bulletproof rims.

Tuesday, November 3, 4:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Superior Transmission Parts, Inc: POWERTOW Información Técnica para Transmisiones Diesel (presentado en Español).
Trucos para reconstruir mejores transmisiones automáticas tras motores Diesel de alta rendimiento.

Wednesday, November 4, 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
eBay Motors: How to Sell Online
Listing basics, best practices, and introduction to the largest online parts and accessories marketplace.

Wednesday, November 4, 3:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Superior Transmission Parts, Inc: POWERTOW Diesel Truck Transmission Tech
Introduce the technical benefits of diesel truck transmission enhancement after the consumer spends money on engine upgrades that can smoke the stock automatic transmission.

Thursday, November 5, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Magnaflow Exhaust Products: Total Engine Management and Current Catalytic Converters
Considered the primary emissions component, the catalytic converter is still only part of an increasingly complex engine-management system designed to lower automotive emissions. This class will cover how today's engine management systems work with modern catalytic converters to accomplish this goal.

Thursday, November 5, 10:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Mr. Gasket/Prestolite Performance: ACCEL DFI Fuel Injection Made Simple
Explaining the newest fuel-injection systems, basic working principles, ease of installation and adjustments.

Thursday, November 5, 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
eBay Motors: How to Sell Online
Listing basics, best practices, and introduction to the largest online parts and accessories marketplace.

Visit the SEMA Show's education page to see these and all of the more than 60 education seminars FREE to all SEMA Show attendees.

Direct Injection, Exhaust, Diesel Tech Among Free Product Trainings at 2009 SEMA Show
Thu, 10/15/2009 - 12:38
 SEMA Show Exhibitor Training
 You won't learn how to pull bat shapes from a plasma cutter, but you can learn hours of other valuable product knowledge through SEMA Show exhibitor training sessions.

Don't miss the following FREE exhibitor product training sessions during the 2009 SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center's North Hall, Room N252:

Tuesday, November 3, 10:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Finixx New Technology Co.: A Breakthrough Technology for Complete Protected Safety Tire.
Safety tires will become essential standard equipment on automobiles. Develop new processing technology and production equipment for a series of self-healing and omni-bearing protection safety tires, including bulletproof rims.

Tuesday, November 3, 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
eBay Motors: How to Sell Online
Listing basics, best practices, and introduction to the largest online parts and accessories marketplace.

Tuesday, November 3, 2:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Finixx New Technology Co.: A Breakthrough Technology for Complete Protected Safety Tire.
Safety tires will become essential standard equipment on automobiles. Develop new processing technology and production equipment for a series of self-healing and omni-bearing protection safety tires, including bulletproof rims.

Tuesday, November 3, 4:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Superior Transmission Parts, Inc: POWERTOW Información Técnica para Transmisiones Diesel (presentado en Español).
Trucos para reconstruir mejores transmisiones automáticas tras motores Diesel de alta rendimiento.

Wednesday, November 4, 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
eBay Motors: How to Sell Online
Listing basics, best practices, and introduction to the largest online parts and accessories marketplace.

Wednesday, November 4, 3:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Superior Transmission Parts, Inc: POWERTOW Diesel Truck Transmission Tech
Introduce the technical benefits of diesel truck transmission enhancement after the consumer spends money on engine upgrades that can smoke the stock automatic transmission.

Thursday, November 5, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Magnaflow Exhaust Products: Total Engine Management and Current Catalytic Converters
Considered the primary emissions component, the catalytic converter is still only part of an increasingly complex engine-management system designed to lower automotive emissions. This class will cover how today's engine management systems work with modern catalytic converters to accomplish this goal.

Thursday, November 5, 10:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Mr. Gasket/Prestolite Performance: ACCEL DFI Fuel Injection Made Simple
Explaining the newest fuel-injection systems, basic working principles, ease of installation and adjustments.

Thursday, November 5, 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
eBay Motors: How to Sell Online
Listing basics, best practices, and introduction to the largest online parts and accessories marketplace.

Visit the SEMA Show's education page to see these and all of the more than 60 education seminars FREE to all SEMA Show attendees.