Bill > S780

This bill, also known as the Promoting Automotive Repair, Trade, and Sales Act of 2013 or the PARTS Act, amends Title 35 of the United States Code to create an exception to patent infringement for certain exterior component parts of motor vehicles when used for repair. Specifically, it clarifies that making, selling, or importing an article that looks the same as a patented exterior component part of a motor vehicle is not infringement if the purpose is to restore the vehicle's original appearance through repair. This exception applies after a component part has been publicly available for 30 months, and it also permits the use and sale of such repair parts after that period. The bill defines "component part" as an exterior part like a hood or fender, excluding interior parts or inflatable restraint systems, and clarifies terms like "make" and "offer to sell" in the context of this exception. It also makes conforming amendments to other sections of Title 35 to ensure these new provisions are properly integrated.