ELYRIA, Ohio — Poorly manufactured knock-off brake parts are a threat to consumer safety and damage the brand reputation of original equipment components manufacturers, according to an executive at Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems who’s scheduled to speak at two national anti-counterfeiting conferences.

On Sept. 28, Andy Cifranic, Bendix brand manager, will speak on the topic of “Protecting the Supply Chain: Solutions and Strategies to Fight Counterfeiting and Piracy” at the US Chamber of Commerce’s third annual Anti-Counterfeiting and Piracy Conference in Washington, D.C. On Oct. 26, Cifranic’s topic is “Growing Threat to Consumer Safety” at Legal IQ’s Anti-Counterfeiting and Brand Protection conference in New York.

The conferences, which address the impact of intellectual property theft on the supply chain and on consumer safety, will be attended by government officials, US Chambers of Commerce, corporate attorneys and affected businesses. Bendix will present alongside representatives from New Balance, Ernst and Young, and Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), among others.

“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 Cifranic. “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 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.

In July, Anthony C. LaPlaca, vice-president and general counsel for Bendix, testified to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce and the District of Columbia about the impact of knock-off and non-genuine parts on vehicle brake performance, overall highway safety, brand equity and lost revenue for legitimate component manufacturers. Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, chairman of the subcommittee, invited Bendix to testify.