TOOLS & PARTS

Navigating the Patent Maze
Improper automotive product patent markings and patent trolls can cost millions of dollars

Part of the design and development of any innovative automotive product or procedure is ensuring adequate patent protection is in place before launch. In July 2010, the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) released a special report, titled Product Patent Markings and Patent Trolls, that underscored the need for all automotive manufacturers to not only develop a patent protocol, but also to ensure they don't breach patents of others. Otherwise, it could cost them millions.

EDUCATION & TRAINING
Collision Training: Flesh on the Bones
I-CAR unveils its performance-focused Professional Development Program

It's one thing to notice declining enrollment in training classes, especially in tough economic times. But when an industry figure told John Edelen, I-CAR president and CEO, that "I-CAR training isn't relevant anymore," it sparked a desire within his organization to do some serious self-examination, seek more industry feedback — from collision repair businesses, technicians, insurance firms, suppliers, educators, students, associations, etc. — and redesign collision repair training.

CARCHITECTURE
Future Gazing

Making the right design decisions for tomorrow often means keeping as many options open today as possible. For automakers, such as Daimler AG, this is the work of futurologists. But don't confuse futurology with fortune tellers, psychics or soothsayers — it is much more rational, less dramatic and never quite as vague.

CARCHITECTURE
Making Automotive Software Safe

Automobiles today can have a hundred or more onboard computers spread across many integrated systems. Besides the mechanical and electronic hardware involved, there are thousands of electronic circuits and millions of lines of software code to develop, run, monitor, debug and safeguard. Should we be worried about the vehicles we drive?