“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”, according to Oscar Wilde. But businesses don’t tend to be so charitable in their interpretation of such actions. Indeed, industrial counterfeiting, copyright breaches and general contempt for intellectual property are all-too common. The most recent example of copyright dispute in the tyre industry saw one of the world’s largest and longest established tyremakers pitted against a relative unknown.
Since the launch of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) Crime and Enforcement Report 2018 -2019, the already high level of interest and concern on the subject of counterfeit replacement vehicle parts, has become even greater. The problem is complicated further by the increase in the number of customer supplied parts that independent workshops are being asked to fit and the difficulty they face in determining their origin. Amid this gloom there is however some light, as TecAlliance has developed a solution.
Mahle Aftermarket has introduced a new packaging design across seven of its leading brands. The new-style packaging will feature bold colours, concise information and a clearer design, all aimed at facilitating handling in motor factors and workshops. It will be available from 1 January 2019, with the current packaging to be used in the interim before being gradually phased out.
