By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

In response to a petition and formal comments filed with the U.S. Copyright Office by public interest groups and auto industry stakeholders, SEMA will submit comments supporting the right of industry members and vehicle owners to maintain and upgrade their cars and trucks. The move comes as the Copyright Office considers requests for exemptions from the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

Enacted in 1998, the DMCA makes it illegal to circumvent technological firewalls put in place by a copyright owner to prevent copyrighted works from being illegally copied, distributed or used to create derivative works. SEMA’s position maintains that industry members and enthusiasts have today, and have always had, the right to access vehicle systems and components in order to utilize, maintain and upgrade their vehicles, copyright laws notwithstanding. Although SEMA believes these rights stand regardless of an exemption from the DMCA, the association will actively engage in the rulemaking procedure and work to prevent any Copyright Office ruling that would curtail the opportunity to access, maintain and modify vehicles within the law. SEMA’s position signals that the association will advocate on all fronts to ensure that copyright, safety and environmental laws are not used to unfairly curtail these rights.

Thousands of products debut at the SEMA Show each year in the New Products Showcase.

As the premier automotive trade show in the world, the SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to discover hot products, new technologies and emerging trends in the aftermarket. Attending the annual event is the best investment businesses and industry professionals can make to succeed. While there are countless benefits to participating, here are five of the best:

More than 2,000 Exhibitors. Whether it’s a manufacturer that you already do business with or you’re looking for a new business partner, more automotive parts manufacturers gather at the SEMA Show than at any other event. Included in the list are established brands that enthusiasts demand, as well as innovative new companies hitting the market with state-of-the-art products and technologies. In addition, these manufacturers represent all automotive segments, whether it’s racing and performance, off-road or restyling. The sectionalized Show floor makes it easy for buyers to hone in on the most relevant exhibitors, while discovering related businesses that may be of interest. Most importantly, the principal owners and decision makers are at the SEMA Show, making it possible to learn what direction the company is headed and discuss potential new business. See the official SEMA Show Exhibitor List here.

World-Class Education Sessions. While at the SEMA Show, take advantage of the free education seminars and workshops. Conveniently located at the Las Vegas Convention Center, more than 50 sessions are available—all focusing on current topics and issues. Seminar topics range from business financials to social media marketing, and are taught by leaders and experts from throughout the world.

Networking Opportunities. The Internet and email make it easier for businesses to interact “virtually.” Face-to-face communication is rare, but important and valuable! With more than 130,000 industry professionals gathered at the SEMA Show, the event is the ideal place to connect with others. In addition to the interactions on the Show floor, take advantage of the evening receptions, the New Products Breakfast, the Industry Awards Banquet and SEMA Ignited.

Hot New Products. “When a builder or manufacturer wants to debut something truly trendsetting or game changing, they hold onto it for SEMA,” according to Mopar Muscle magazine. While thousands of new products debut at the SEMA Show each year, the New Products Showcase makes it easy and convenient for attendees to see what’s new. The products are organized by market category and are displayed with a brief description and details. Buyers and media can also receive a customized report of products they select from the Showcase through the use of scanning devices.

1,500+ customized vehicles. The SEMA Show has been referred to as “fashion week” for the automotive industry. In that sense, the vehicles are the models that help buyers see how the parts and accessories actually look on vehicles. Nowhere else will buyers find more than 1,500 one-of-a-kind vehicles, showcasing the newest products on the market.

Whether you can only get away from the office for one day or you plan to attend the SEMA Show all four days, the annual event is filled with endless opportunities for auto shops to build their businesses and careers. Don’t miss out on the 2015 SEMA Show. Register here.

Thousands of products debut at the SEMA Show each year in the New Products Showcase.

As the premier automotive trade show in the world, the SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to discover hot products, new technologies and emerging trends in the aftermarket. Attending the annual event is the best investment businesses and industry professionals can make to succeed. While there are countless benefits to participating, here are five of the best:

More than 2,000 Exhibitors. Whether it’s a manufacturer that you already do business with or you’re looking for a new business partner, more automotive parts manufacturers gather at the SEMA Show than at any other event. Included in the list are established brands that enthusiasts demand, as well as innovative new companies hitting the market with state-of-the-art products and technologies. In addition, these manufacturers represent all automotive segments, whether it’s racing and performance, off-road or restyling. The sectionalized Show floor makes it easy for buyers to hone in on the most relevant exhibitors, while discovering related businesses that may be of interest. Most importantly, the principal owners and decision makers are at the SEMA Show, making it possible to learn what direction the company is headed and discuss potential new business. See the official SEMA Show Exhibitor List here.

World-Class Education Sessions. While at the SEMA Show, take advantage of the free education seminars and workshops. Conveniently located at the Las Vegas Convention Center, more than 50 sessions are available—all focusing on current topics and issues. Seminar topics range from business financials to social media marketing, and are taught by leaders and experts from throughout the world.

Networking Opportunities. The Internet and email make it easier for businesses to interact “virtually.” Face-to-face communication is rare, but important and valuable! With more than 130,000 industry professionals gathered at the SEMA Show, the event is the ideal place to connect with others. In addition to the interactions on the Show floor, take advantage of the evening receptions, the New Products Breakfast, the Industry Awards Banquet and SEMA Ignited.

Hot New Products. “When a builder or manufacturer wants to debut something truly trendsetting or game changing, they hold onto it for SEMA,” according to Mopar Muscle magazine. While thousands of new products debut at the SEMA Show each year, the New Products Showcase makes it easy and convenient for attendees to see what’s new. The products are organized by market category and are displayed with a brief description and details. Buyers and media can also receive a customized report of products they select from the Showcase through the use of scanning devices.

1,500+ customized vehicles. The SEMA Show has been referred to as “fashion week” for the automotive industry. In that sense, the vehicles are the models that help buyers see how the parts and accessories actually look on vehicles. Nowhere else will buyers find more than 1,500 one-of-a-kind vehicles, showcasing the newest products on the market.

Whether you can only get away from the office for one day or you plan to attend the SEMA Show all four days, the annual event is filled with endless opportunities for auto shops to build their businesses and careers. Don’t miss out on the 2015 SEMA Show. Register here.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA-opposed legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “historic motor vehicles” died when the legislature adjourned for the year. Under the House version of the bill, the age requirement would have been raised from 20 to at least 30 years old, making it more difficult to register legitimate historic vehicles, which are already limited to club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades and occasional pleasure driving.

The measure also would have denied all 20–30-year-old vehicles certain benefits, including the special historic license plate, reduced registration fees and exemptions from equipment and emissions-inspection requirements. The bill sought to address unsubstantiated claims of abuse without providing any real data. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is already authorized by regulation to suspend the registration of any historic vehicle for use that is inconsistent with the registration requirements.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA-opposed legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “historic motor vehicles” died when the legislature adjourned for the year. Under the House version of the bill, the age requirement would have been raised from 20 to at least 30 years old, making it more difficult to register legitimate historic vehicles, which are already limited to club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades and occasional pleasure driving.

The measure also would have denied all 20–30-year-old vehicles certain benefits, including the special historic license plate, reduced registration fees and exemptions from equipment and emissions-inspection requirements. The bill sought to address unsubstantiated claims of abuse without providing any real data. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is already authorized by regulation to suspend the registration of any historic vehicle for use that is inconsistent with the registration requirements.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA-opposed legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “historic motor vehicles” died when the legislature adjourned for the year. Under the House version of the bill, the age requirement would have been raised from 20 to at least 30 years old, making it more difficult to register legitimate historic vehicles, which are already limited to club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades and occasional pleasure driving.

The measure also would have denied all 20–30-year-old vehicles certain benefits, including the special historic license plate, reduced registration fees and exemptions from equipment and emissions-inspection requirements. The bill sought to address unsubstantiated claims of abuse without providing any real data. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is already authorized by regulation to suspend the registration of any historic vehicle for use that is inconsistent with the registration requirements.

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

	The House and Senate approved compromise legislation to allow the issuance of only a single license plate to historic vehicles and street rods.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

	The House and Senate approved compromise legislation to allow the issuance of only a single license plate to historic vehicles and street rods.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

	The House and Senate approved compromise legislation to allow the issuance of only a single license plate to historic vehicles and street rods.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

	The House and Senate approved compromise legislation to allow the issuance of only a single license plate to historic vehicles and street rods.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.