The Friction Material Standards Institute (FMSI) has been working with officials at U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security to identify counterfeit brake products and companies that violate FMSI’s intellectual property rights ahead of AAPEX 2019.
“FMSI has successfully pursued violators with equitable results,” said Frank Oliveto, president of FMSI. “We have an aggressive initiative in progress in preparing for the 2019 AAPEX event and will enforce temporary restraining orders (TROs) at the event should the need arise.”
FMSI was founded in 1948 as a trade association for manufacturers of aftermarket brake pads and clutch facings. The organization facilitates the sharing of new brake-product application information with its member companies.
The benefits of the collaboration include a standardized numbering system for brake catalogs, which saves members time and money managing catalogs and developing new replacement applications. For shops and consumers, it means more choices of better brake pads that come to market sooner.
According to FMSI, licensee members have the right to use the FMSI part-numbering system only for those products purchased from an active or regional member. Active members that buy products from non-FMSI members do not have the right to use the proprietary FMSI part-numbering system for such products. Regional members that purchase products from non-FMSI members do not have the right to use the proprietary FMSI part-numbering system.
“This is a key area we are pursuing to protect our members in good standing from non-FMSI members who are knowingly and or unknowingly using the FMSI proprietary numbering system,” said Oliveto. “If you think your company might be violating FMSI intellectual property policies, please contact the FMSI headquarters. We want to talk with you about your situation and FMSI membership opportunities.”
Recently, FMSI has sent out more than 20 applications to companies that may qualify for FMSI membership, and has approved seven new members and has several applications pending. To contact FMSI, call 203-245-8425 or [email protected].
