--- title: "DNA MOTORING Case Study | GTC" description: "Case study: DNA Motoring secured USPTO trademark protection across 4 Nice classes covering metal goods, machinery, electronics, and automotive accessories." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Global Trademark Company LLC", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com", "logo": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/gtc-logo.svg", "description": "Multi-practice IP and business legal firm. Trademarks in 100+ jurisdictions, patents in 10 + PCT, copyrights under Berne. Operating since 2016.", "foundingDate": "2016", "sameAs": [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/globaltrademarkcompany/", "https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co" ], "contactPoint": [ { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+1-510-973-4964", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "US", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+44-7453-347853", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "GB", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+91-6397-329955", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "IN", "availableLanguage": [ "English", "Hindi" ] } ], "address": [ { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "712 H Street NE, Suite 2094", "addressLocality": "Washington", "addressRegion": "DC", "postalCode": "20002", "addressCountry": "US" }, { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "YSC Complex, 4th floor, A-400, 12 Ajit Singh House, Sri Aurobindo Marg", "addressLocality": "New Delhi", "addressRegion": "Delhi", "postalCode": "110016", "addressCountry": "IN" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "How a US Auto Parts Manufacturer Secured Multi-Class Trademark Protection to Combat Marketplace Counterfeiting", "description": "Case study: DNA Motoring secured USPTO trademark protection across 4 Nice classes covering metal goods, machinery, electronics, and automotive accessories.", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/case-studies/dna-motoring-auto-parts-trademark", "datePublished": "2026-02-08", "dateModified": "2026-02-08", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/case-studies/dna-motoring-auto-parts-trademark" }, "image": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/og-image.png", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Global Trademark Company" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Global Trademark Company", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/gtc-logo.svg" } } } ] --- [](/) - Trademarks - Patents - Copyrights - Data Privacy - Business Legal - [Pricing](/pricing) - Resources - Company Sign inEN · USD Sign in [Back to Case Studies](/case-studies) Automotive Parts & Accessories US # How a US Auto Parts Manufacturer Secured Multi-Class Trademark Protection to Combat Marketplace Counterfeiting A four-class US trademark filing for an established automotive aftermarket manufacturer fighting counterfeit parts on online marketplaces. 4 Nice Classes US Jurisdiction In registration at USPTO Timeline DNA MOTORING Brand Classes Protected: Class 6 Metal Goods & Auto Body Parts Class 7 Machinery & Engine Components Class 9 Electronics, Lighting & Sensors Class 27 Floor Coverings & Mats ## The Challenge DNA Motor Inc, operating as DNA Motoring, is a US-based automotive aftermarket manufacturer producing performance exhaust systems, tonneau covers, LED lighting, and a wide range of auto accessories. Despite being an established domestic manufacturer, the brand faced a growing counterfeiting problem on Amazon and other online marketplaces. - Counterfeit auto parts flood online marketplaces, with unauthorized sellers listing inferior products under the DNA Motoring name, some using it as a storefront banner. Without registered trademark protection, enforcement options are severely limited. - The brand's product range spans multiple Nice classes: metal fabrication (Class 6), engine and machinery parts (Class 7), electronic accessories and lighting (Class 9), and floor mats and coverings (Class 27). Partial coverage would leave product lines vulnerable. - As a B2B and B2C manufacturer, DNA Motoring needed protection for both wholesale distribution channels and direct-to-consumer marketplace sales. - Counterfeit exhausts, lighting, and engine components can fail on the road, creating potential liability for the genuine brand. For an auto parts maker, counterfeiting is a safety problem before it is a brand problem: a fake exhaust or light sold under the brand's name can fail on the road and erode years of trust with enthusiasts and installers. ## Our Approach Four product lines would normally mean four applications and four sets of fees. We put all four into one coordinated filing, with a filing basis and a specimen plan for each class. 1 ### Clearance built for four classes We mapped the full product range to its Nice classes, then ran a knockout screen and a full search across all four classes and adjacent goods. Confusion turns on marketplace relatedness, not class numbers, so we also checked distributor names and legacy sub-brands for internal collisions. 2 ### Identifications examiners accept We drafted each class in USPTO ID Manual wording: bumpers, grilles, and body panels (Class 6), exhaust headers, manifolds, and engine components (Class 7), LED lighting and electronic sensors (Class 9), and floor mats and cargo liners (Class 27). Vague phrases were left out; indefinite wording is a leading cause of refusals. 3 ### Filing basis and specimens per class Lines already selling were filed on use in commerce (Section 1(a)); lines still launching on intent to use (Section 1(b)), locking in the filing date for every class. Each class needs its own specimen, planned up front: labels and packaging for the parts, app or packaging screenshots for the electronics. 4 ### Office action playbook and enforcement plan We pre-wrote fallback identifications and arguments for the two main risks, a likelihood-of-confusion refusal and an indefiniteness objection. When the examiner queried a software item, we narrowed it to "downloadable software for vehicle diagnostics". In parallel we built the enforcement plan: marketplace monitoring, Brand Registry enrollment, customs recordation, and template cease-and-desist letters. ## The Results Once registered, the single mark will cover all four product lines. Enforcement did not wait for the certificate. Nice Classes Filed 4 (Class 6, 7, 9, 27) Status In Registration Product Lines Covered Body Parts, Engines, Electronics, Accessories Enforcement Ready Brand Registry + Customs Eligible With the filing on record, the brand removed hybrid listings that mixed counterfeit hardware with its name and suspended two storefronts using the mark as a banner. Registration across all four classes adds Amazon Brand Registry's automated detection, customs border enforcement, and standing to bring Lanham Act claims for injunctions and damages, including ex parte seizure under 15 U.S.C. §1116(d) in a true counterfeiting case. Because aftermarket defendants often argue first sale, we prepared evidence of quality-control and warranty differences and trained resellers on nominative fair use. > "Counterfeit parts with our name on them weren't just hurting our sales. They were putting drivers at risk. The 4-class trademark registration gave us the legal tools to clean up the marketplaces and protect our customers." > > DNA Motoring Brand Protection Team ## Key Takeaways 1 Automotive parts manufacturers need multi-class protection covering metals (Class 6), machinery (Class 7), electronics (Class 9), and accessories (Class 27). 2 Class numbers do not set the scope of protection. Infringement turns on likelihood of confusion, so the filing should mirror how the brand sells and how counterfeiters misuse it. 3 Mixing a use-based basis with intent-to-use in one application locks in the filing date for every product line, including the ones still launching. 4 Registration is the foundation for takedowns, customs protection, and Lanham Act remedies, and one coordinated multi-class filing costs far less than separate applications as lines launch. ## Need similar protection for your brand? Whether you're expanding internationally, rebranding, or fighting counterfeiters, a GTC attorney will scope the filing and quote a flat fee before any work begins. [Protect Your Auto Brand](/services/us-trademark) [Free Trademark Check](/free-trademark-check) ## More Case Studies [Gaming Hardware & E-Commerce ### RANSOR A four-class US trademark filing for a Bahrain-based gaming hardware company expanding into the US market. Read case study](/case-studies/ransor-gaming-global-trademark) [Direct-to-Consumer Fashion ### SOXCO US trademark registration for a fast-growing Indian hosiery brand navigating international expansion and brand identity change. Read case study](/case-studies/soxco-dtc-brand-us-trademark) [Eyewear & Fashion Accessories ### KINGSEVEN Dual-class US trademark filing for a global eyewear brand selling directly to consumers through their own website and international marketplaces. 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