Brussels, 26/08/2004 (Agence Europe) - On 8 September, the European Commission is expected to lift the monopoly of car manufacturers on visible spare parts (body panels, external lights etc.) market, which is estimated to be worth EUR 10 bn a year.
In practice, the Commissioner for the internal market, Frits Bolkestein, is expected to present an amended directive to guarantee protection of industrial designs by introducing a "Repairs Clause". This clause should enable independent...