On May 31, 2013, the Second All-Ukrainian Automotive Aftermarket Trade Forum took place as part of the SIA'2013 Motor Show and under the aegis of the Association of Importers and Distributors of Automotive Components. (AIDA). Issues up for discussion were brought upon the significant changes in the legal framework, so a common thread running through this event was the regulation of the market in the new regulatory environment, as well as unfair competition matters related to the intellectual property rights in the auto parts market.

Participants discussed how to timely implement changes in the company in accordance with the requirements of the new regulatory framework and received advice on how to ensure their business's safety while remaining competitive and how to prevent unfair competition by other market participants.

In his presentation for Automotive Aftermarket Forum delegates VKP's Partner Oleksandr Mamunya covered pressing issues of patent law relevant to the auto parts market.

"Recently problems related to unscrupulous patenting of industrial designs and utility models have become particularly relevant for the market of automobile parts in Ukraine. I see the solution being twofold: on the one hand it has to be systemic, which would mean amending the existing legislation governing the process of state registration of industrial designs and utility models. And on the case by case basis there ought to be individual uncompromising, legally competent protection of private manufacturers and importers of auto parts from various forms of abuse of patent rights "– concluded Mr. Mamunya.