General Motors Files Series of Federal Design Patent Lawsuits Targeting Aftermarket Parts Suppliers

During the first week of February 2026, General Motors LLC (“GM”) filed a series of lawsuits in federal courts in Michigan, Illinois, Delaware, and the International Trade Commission (“ITC”) taking action against a group of aftermarket automotive parts suppliers, alleging widespread infringement of GM’s design patents. This action is part of a broad enforcement effort against aftermarket parts suppliers and distributors operating in the vehicle collision and repair space. In total, GM filed four federal lawsuits¹ on February 3, 2026, and one ITC action² on February 5, 2026, naming numerous defendants across the collision repair and aftermarket parts industries.

Butzel’s Patent Litigation Team has a longstanding reputation for representing automotive suppliers in high-stakes disputes with OEMs. Butzel’s Team stands ready to assist defendants seeking guidance in these matters. Together, they bring extensive experience in patent litigation, including defending automotive parts suppliers against OEM design patent allegations and navigating the fast-moving procedural landscape of federal courts and the ITC.

The Team regularly handles complex IP litigation, early resolution strategies, and cost risk mitigation, supported by technical professionals in automotive components and has a standing reputation for representing automotive suppliers in high‑stakes disputes with OEMs.

If you have any concerns about design patent infringement actions from an OEM, please contact your Butzel attorney for help. Contact Defendants or industry stakeholders seeking further information are encouraged to reach out to schedule a discussion.

Gregg Ozga
313.225.5352
ozga@butzel.com

Daniel Vivarelli
202.454.2841
vivarelli@butzel.com

Mitchell Zajac
313.225.7059
zajac@butzel.com

Andrew AbdulNour
734.213.3251
abdulnour@butzel.com

[1] General Motors v. Quality Collision Parts, Power Auto Parts, Jiangsu Srumto Auto Parts, AP Auto Parts. 2:26cv10391.

• General Motors v. LKQ Corporation, Keystone Automotive Industries, CCC Intelligent Solutions, Grand HC Auto Tooling, Gordon Auto Body Parts, Tong Yang Industry, Y.C.C. Parts Mfg. Co., Depo Auto Parts Ind. Co., Maxzone Vehicle Lighting Corp. Auto Power Co., Forerunner Automotive Industrial Corp., ANTRC, Pro Fortune Industrial Co. 1:26cv1233.
• General Motors v. Best Value Auto Body Supply, Jiangsu Srumto Auto Parts Co.
• General Motors v. Mitchell International

[2] 337-TA-3884, Certain Vehicle Parts, Components Thereof, and Vehicles Containing Same.