Webb Wheel Products Inc., a leading U.S. brake drum manufacturer, has obtained United States federal trademark registrations for its part numbers in order to stop the use of its numbers by other manufacturers
that were causing confusion in the marketplace.
The brake drums manufactured and sold by others may not meet the quality associated with Webb Wheel products, possibly resulting in less than expected braking performance, wear characteristics and premature failures, the company said.
Webb advises all distributors of its products to be diligent in assuring that drums with Webb registered part number trademarks are supplied by Webb Wheel Products. To protect end users against inferior quality parts, periodic audits throughout the supply chain will be conducted.
Mike Canada, president of Webb’s Aftermarket Business Unit, said, “Webb will tolerate no further sales or importation of product bearing its registered trademarks. Any sale of product will be met with a complaint for trademark infringement and/or other legal action as well as proceedings before the International Trade Commission for any counterfeit products imported into the United States.”
All Webb brake drums are produced in U.S. facilities and are routinely tested to ensure they meet or exceed the criteria as set forth by the FMVSS 121 stopping distance regulations as well as the company’s own stringent quality standards.
In addition to the part number, the Webb cast-in name is clearly visible on brake drums manufactured and distributed by Webb Wheel Products. End users and distributors should look for these marks to assure the products are meeting the demands of the heavy-duty industry.