AASP/NJ Tradeshow Lawsuit Dismissed
Written by staffA lawsuit against the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) was recently dismissed by a U.S. District Judge.
U.S. District Judge Kenneth Karas dismissed several complaints made by Rockland Exposition Inc. in a lawsuit filed against Thomas Greco Publishing, AASP/NJ and the organization’s board members Tom Elder, Thomas Greco and Glenn Villacari.
AASP/NJ said REI filed a lawsuit in 2008 after the association chose not to renew its management contract with REI, and instead move the AASP/NJ NORTHEAST trade show back to New Jersey.
AASP/NJ said REI was seeking injunctive relief and damages for trademark infringement, dilution and unfair competition under New York law. After four years of litigation, AASP/NJ said Judge Karas dismissed each of REI’s claims with an 87-page opinion.
“We are extremely happy that this is over. It has been a long, painful experience that has taken its toll on many of the dedicated volunteers who serve our association, and we are proud that we took a stand to make sure justice was served,” said Jeff McDowell, president of AASP/NJ.
“There are many people to thank, especially board members Brian Vesley and Joe Amato. Brian has spent countless hours of his own time making sure that AASP/NJ’s interests were being looked after from day one. Joe went way beyond the call of duty to make sure we were protected from an insurance standpoint. I don’t know where we’d be without those two individuals. Our association and our industry are indebted to them.”



