On February 18th, I reported here that on the floor of the Dealer Expo 07, US Marshals were serving papers to companies exhibiting counterfeit motorcycle parts. Dave Scott, from Advanstar and Show Manager/Publisher of Big Twin West/Big Twin Dealer sent me the following info.
Santa Ana, CA-February 28, 2007- News of alleged counterfeiters at the Dealernews International Powersports Expo February 17-19 traveled fast. U.S Marshals served papers to several companies at this year’s show. Manufacturers claimed these exhibitors had violated intellectual property rights and filed lawsuits in protest. Advanstar Communications’ legal department will issue the following letter at the request of the customer, the body of which reads as follows:
Advanstar Communications, Inc. (“Advanstar”), the owner and organizer of Dealer Expo 2007 (“Dealer”), has received a complaint from (Company A) relating to violating (Company B). The complaint alleges improper use by (Company B) of (Company A’s) intellectual property on (Company B’s) product to be displayed at the upcoming Dealer Expo.
We want to remind everybody that Advanstar respects third parties intellectual property rights and willful disregard by an exhibitor of third parties rights can lead to a suspension of that exhibitor right to participate in future Dealer events. Any questions or concerns can be directed to Tracy Harris at tharris@advanstar.com
Good decision. Forbid illegal copies to be exhibited in any trade or public shows.