September 17, 2007, was a day of a special event organized by the Quality Parts Coalition (QPC) in Washington D.C., to propose an inclusion of a "repair" clause or exemption in U.S. design patent law to the Congress.

The QPC claims that the big auto companies have a monopoly in manufacturing repair parts, therefore limiting choices for consumers and forcing independent manufacturers of car parts out of business.

“Allowing the big car companies to monopolize repair part patents stifles competition with independent parts manufacturers, forcing consumers to pay higher repair prices,” said Eileen Sottile, executive director of QPC. “I urge Congress to keep competition alive and include ‘repair’ language in U.S. patent design law.”

According to the QPC, quality replacement parts from independent manufacturers can cost 50 % less than those from official dealerships. Consumers are also limited in their choices. Moreover, independent car parts manufacturers employ tens of thousands of Americans.

Today, 73 % of the repair parts market is occupied by the car manufacturers.

Sandy Bass-Cors, Executive Director for Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE) says: “Congress must preserve competition and consumers’ choice.”

Find out more on the webpage of the Quality Parts Coalition