GoPed continues its pursuit of knock-off competitors

In September, Patmont Motor Werks, Inc., makers of GoPed scooters, announced that it was suing CSK Auto Inc., the parent company of Checker Auto parts, Schucks Auto Supply, and Kragen Auto Parts.

The reason - "They're ripping off our trademark," said William D.

McCann, Patmont's general counsel.

The suit is in discovery now, says McCann.

And the compensatory and punitive damages sought now have risen to $20 million from its original $10 million.

That amount could go up again, depending on discovery.

McCann is expecting to be before the federal district court within 2005.Meanwhile, Patmont is sending cease-and-desist letters to other companies selling GoPed knockoffs.

Results there are positive.Most respond immediately, says McCann.

The knockoffs come into the country from China, but an injunction against numerous associations and companies in China is proving fairly effective, says McCann.However, thousands of those scooters were already in the pipeline before the injunction went into effect in July.