ELYRIA, Ohio — Counterfeit brake parts, mainly from overseas, are a threat to consumer safety and damage the brand reputation of original equipment components manufacturers, says Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC.

The brakes systems manufacturer is a leader in trying to stop the flood of knock-off vehicle parts to North America — a problem for OEMs that is steadily growing with the emergence of counties like China, which have cheap labor and production costs and no intellectual property theft legislation.

Bendix will represent the transportation industry on panel discussions at two national anti- counterfeit conferences sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Legal IQ.

“We’re honored to represent our industry and pleased with the increased attention the issue of intellectual property theft is receiving, particularly in how it impacts the commercial vehicle industry,” said Andy Cifranic, Bendix brand manager, who will represent Bendix at both conferences. “The nature of our business involves efficiently stopping heavy vehicles, so any compromise to the integrity of vehicle braking systems due to poorly manufactured knock-off components can have serious consequences on our brand, our customers and highway safety in general. Awareness and education are critical early steps in protecting ourselves as a collective industry.”

Bendix, a charter member of the MEMA Brand Protection Council, has successfully instituted its own comprehensive intellectual property protection and enforcement program, which focuses on extensive education and outreach, intellectual property protection, and enforcement of its patents and trademarks.