PPG Wins U.S. Lawsuit
PPG Automotive Refinish has won a major battle in the fight against illegally imported paint products. On February 18, 2004, the United States Federal District Court in Atlanta found John Malyon and Original Direct, both of Conyers, Georgia, to be in contempt of court for violating a previous order enjoining them from selling illegally imported PPG paint and
circumventing PPG's authorized distribution network.
The court issued a new order enjoining Malyon and Original Direct from selling PPG paint and alternatives to PPG paint, and requiring them to identify their sources for the illegally imported products and the customers to whom they were sold. The court also ordered Malyon and Original Direct to pay damages to PPG for illegal sales of gray-market PPG paint under the Refinish Components and Autocote labels.
William Shaw, PPG's Director of Marketing, N.A. Automotive Refinish, said, "We are very pleased with the federal court's decision, and we will remain vigilant, protecting our distributors and their customers. PPG intends to continue policing these types of illegal activities and take whatever steps are necessary to put an end to them and seek payment for all damages. He also stated that PPG will be proactive in its efforts to identify existing
and or new entrants of these illegal activities and move quickly to enact the strictest penalties."
Pittsburgh-based PPG Industries is a global supplier of coatings, glass and fiber glass and chemicals, with manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates in 23 countries. Sales were $8.8 billion in 2003.
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