GRACO INC. et al v. PMC GLOBAL, INC. et al
Filing
696
MEMORANDUM and ORDER that Graco's Motion for Summary Judgment dated June 10, 2011 (Docket Entry 616 ) is granted in part and denied in part; that Mr. Commette's counterclaims (Counts One through Six) are dismissed; that Gama's counter claims (Count Five and Count Six) are dismissed; that Gama's counterclaim alleging a Sherman Act violation is limited to a Section 2 violation of high pressure spray foam equipment in North America. Signed by Judge Peter G. Sheridan on 2/15/2012. (mmh)
NOT FOR PUBLICATION
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY
GRACO INC., et al.,
Civil Action No.: 08-1304
Plaintiffs,
MEMORANDUM AND ORDER
v.
PMC GLOBAL, INC., et al.,
Defendants.
SHERIDAN, U.S.D.J.
This matter comes before the Court on plaintiff-counterclaim defendants Graco Inc. and
Graco Minnesota, Inc.’s (collectively “Graco”) motion for summary judgment on all counterclaims
asserted by defendant-counterclaimants, Denis S. Commette (“Mr. Commette”) and Gama
Machinery USA, Inc. (“Gama”).
On or about March 14, 2008, Graco commenced this action. After Mr. Commette and Gama
(the “Counterclaimants”) asserted counterclaims along with their answer, Graco moved to dismiss
the counterclaims pursuant to Rule 12(b)(6) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. On March 31,
2009, Graco’s motion to dismiss the counterclaims was granted in part, but without prejudice. On
or about December 2, 2009, the Counterclaimants filed an amended countercomplaint (the
“Countercomplaint”) setting forth six claims: (1) monopolization in violation of Section 21 of The
Sherman Antitrust Act, 15 U.S.C. § 2 (the “Sherman Act”); (2) attempted monopolization in
violation of Section 2 of Sherman Act; (3) tortious interference with business advantage; (4) unfair
1
See infra note 6.
competition in violation of the New Jersey Fair Trade Act, N.J. Stat. Ann. § 56:4-1; (5) common law
unfair competition; and (6) trade libel. On or about June 10, 2011, Graco filed a motion for
summary judgment seeking dismissal of all counterclaims.
This Court has jurisdiction over this case pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and 28 U.S.C. §
1367. For the reasons set forth below, this Court grants in part and denies in part Graco’s motion
for summary judgment.
I
In 2005, Graco paid PMC Global, Inc. $65 million for the purchase of the Gusmer business.
Gusmer manufactured and distributed polyurethane foam dispensing equipment. After the Graco
purchase, executives of Gusmer terminated their relationship with Gusmer and started new
companies to compete with Graco. One of the companies was Garraf which manufactured
competing polyurethane foam dispensing equipment. In addition to Garraf, another company,
Gama, also headed by former Gusmer managers, began distributing the Garraf products in North
America. Graco manufactures a variety of equipment for applying adhesives, coatings, sealants, and
foam – including polyurethane foam insulation.
Gama was established in September 2007 to distribute specialized equipment that is used to
install polyurethane foam insulation and polyurea coatings. Initially, Gama was the exclusive North
American distributor of equipment built by Garraf Maquinaria (“Garraf”)2. Since October 2009,
Gama has manufactured its own equipment for sale.
Mr. Commette is a former employee of both Graco and Gama and is currently an outside
consultant to Gama.
2
At the start of the litigation, Garraf, a corporation of Spain, was a defendant, but it has
failed to cooperatively prosecute the case. Both parties agree that it is in default.
2
The counterclaim discusses various kinds of spray foam equipment (SFE) each of which has
separate features. The counterclaim seeks relief for monopolization on all of the various kinds of
SFE. Despite same, at oral argument Gama, limited its claim to high pressure SFE. In addition,
Gama's expert limited his review and analysis to sales in North America of high pressure SFE which
contractors use to apply fast set spray polyurethane foam. Hence, the counterclaim will be limited
to high pressure SFE in the North American market.
In its complaint, Graco alleged that the business plan formulated by former Gusmer
executives who associated with Garraf and Gama was to rekindle Gusmer's business relationships,
and to re-acquire business through those relationships which was sold to Graco. Based on same,
Graco filed this suit due to the “conspir[acy] to steal the business back.” That included the
conspiracy to steal trade secrets that PMC had sold to Graco.
In response, Gama argues that Graco breached Section 2 of the Sherman Act through
monopolization of the market to exclude Gama from competing. Gama's evidence includes a
statement from Patrick McHale who was concerned about the new start up companies such as
Garraf. In April, 2007 he likened the situation to “mouse droppings in your home, you do not wait
until they are running all around before you bring out the poison.” Graco sent a letter to some
distributors that it may take action against them if the distributor were to form a business
relationship with Graco's competitors. Graco allegedly attempted to “block the channel,” i.e. to cutoff business with distributors who sell Gama or Garaff products because Graco did not want Gama
“piggybacking onto our distribution channel.” That is, it would either cease doing business with
such distributors or would lower the discount structure to the distributor's economic peril. One such
distributor indicated that he was warned that if he engaged in business with Gama he would loose
his advanced distributor status and discounts.
3
It is also alleged that Graco advised their high pressure SFE customers that Gama would
soon be exiting that market.
For example, in 2008 Graco told the owner of distributor SPF
Supplies, Inc., “You should think twice about becoming a Gama distributor because Gama won’t
be around for long due to Graco’s lawsuit against it.”
Another potential customer reported that,
“I heard [t]hat Graco was going to close you (Gama) all down by the end of the year.” A Graco
representative said “don’t buy anything Gama because you would be stuck with it.” In addition, two
Gama distributors declared that they heard from potential customers that Graco said Gama would
soon be out of business, and accordingly chose to purchase products from Graco over Gama.
In response to the new competition from Gama, Graco focused on its relationships with high
pressure SFE distributors. On October 24, 2007, Graco sent a letter (the “Best Efforts Letter”) to
its North American high pressure SFE distributors stating: “Should a distributor add a competitive
product line, it will result in an immediate review of our business relationship and may impact
access to specific products, changes in addendum status or possible elimination of our distributor
agreement.” The Best Efforts Letter further provided that “[i]t is [Graco’s] opinion that taking on
an additional competitive product line may significantly reduce the ‘best efforts’ of a Graco
distributor to sell our . . . product lines.” The contracts between Graco and its distributors were
renewable contracts with one year terms.
One witness, Mr. Hrynkiewicz3, asserts that certain
distributors chose not to carry Gama high pressure SFE because of the threat within the Best Efforts
Letter.
Foampak Inc. (“Foampak”) was a Graco distributor that received the Best Efforts Letter.
3
Mr. Hrynkiewicz is a former Gusmer employee. He became a Graco employee after
Graco brought Gusmer, until 2006. In 2007 he began working for Glascraft until Graco bought
the company. Presently, Mr. Hrynkiewicz is a Gama employee.
4
Foampak’s president Chris Donaghy (“Mr. Donaghy”) asserts that he stopped pursuing his plan to
distribute Gama products after receiving the Best Efforts Letter. However, in January 2009, Mr.
Donaghy advised Graco that he intended to sell Gama high pressure SFE.
According to Mr.
Donaghy, a Graco executive met with him and told him that if Foampak distributed Gama's product
then Graco would terminate its distribution agreement with Foampak. After the meeting, Foampak
abandoned plans to carry Gama high pressure SFE. Mr. Donaghy believed that risking his Graco
distributorship agreement would be “business suicide.”
Graco has asserted two justifications for aggressively seeking to keep Gama from utilizing
its distributors. First, fear that Gama’s sale of replacement parts for Graco products could confuse
customers and tarnish the Graco brand; and second, concern that Gama would “free-ride” off the
services and training provided by Graco to distributors. Graco does not present any corroborating
evidence that these justifications were the reason behind the Best Efforts Letter.
Background on Spray Foam, Spray Foam Equipment, and Other Polyurethane Equipment
“Spray Foam” refers to polyurethane foam that is commonly used as building insulation.
A central characteristic of Spray Foam is its ability to expand and then “set” (harden) quickly.
“Spray Foam Equipment”4 (“SFE”) refers to “plural component spraying and dispensing ‘Spray
Foam’ equipment.” SFE creates spray foam by mixing two separate chemicals (produced by other
4
There is other equipment known as In-Plant Polyurethane Processing Equipment
(“IPPE”) It molds polyurethane foam into goods such as car dashboards. Mr. Commette testified
that IPPE is larger and more expensive than high pressure SFE; and its immobility precludes it
from being used by insulation contractors to insulate a building. Protective Coating Equipment
(“PCE”) is used to apply polyurea as a weatherproof coating on products such as pickup truck
bed liners. As this protective coatings does not set quickly, PCE is a slow set equipment and
“cannot be used for the creation and application of spray foam insulation, as the fast setting
spray polyurethane foam would solidify before reaching the gun rending the equipment
inoperable.”
5
companies) and the interaction of these chemicals creates the foam which then hardens.
Classes of Spray Foam Equipment
There are various classes of SFE, high pressure SFE, low pressure SFE, and single-use SFEs
(known as “Froth Paks”). All three classes of SFE can install spray foam as building insulation.
Although Gama's claims focus on high pressure SFE, all three are briefly discussed.
Generally speaking, high pressure SFE is the most sophisticated and expensive class of spray
foam equipment, Froth Paks are the least, and low pressure SFE is somewhere in between. These
distinctions have a measurable impact on their use in the building insulation business. Additionally,
there are differences between SFE and fiberglass insulation, which is also used in the building
insulation business.
High pressure SFE is defined as the equipment used by “high-pressure, two-component
equipment contractors to apply fast-set polyurethane foam, polyurea coatings, and certain epoxies.”
In addition to installing spray foam, high pressure SFE can apply polyurea protective coatings. High
pressure SFE can apply customized spray foam formulations with characteristics specially suited
for a particular job. High pressure SFE is also characterized by low marginal costs per usage.
High pressure SFE is primarily sold by 20 specialized distributors of Graco and purchased
by insulation contractors. Gama complains that it has been unable to acquire any sales through the
20 specialized distributors of high pressure SFE.
Low pressure SFE requires re-usable spray foam equipment assemblies utilizing pumps and
low pressure applicator guns. A Gama and Graco employee stated that low pressure SFE is
unsuitable for large insulation jobs, and the foam is of inferior quality.
Froth Paks require single-use spray foam equipment assemblies and have higher costs per
usage. Accordingly, contractors only use Froth Paks for “touch-up work and minor repairs.” Froth
6
Paks are not sold by distributors but are marketed through large retailers like Home Depot.
Fiberglass insulation is different from spray foam but it is also used to insulate buildings.
Generally, witnesses have stated that fiberglass insulation is less expensive and lower in quality than
spray foam insulation created by high pressure SFE.
Historically, Gusmer Corp. (“Gusmer”) was the leading manufacturer of high pressure SFE.
However, in 2005, Graco acquired Gusmer. In 2008, Graco also acquired GlasCraft, which was
Graco’s largest high pressure SFE competitor at the time. In part, Graco’s motivation to acquire
Gusmer was a desire to access Gusmer’s distribution network.
The evidence of monopolization by Graco is limited to internal Graco reports obtained
during discovery5 . In 2005, after Graco acquired Gusmer, a Graco report indicated that Graco’s
market share in the high pressure SFE was 65%. In 2008, Graco’s market share in the global market
was 72% while Glascraft (soon to be part of Graco) had an 11% share. A 2009 internal report on
the “spray foam market and spray polyurea market” found that Graco had a North American market
share of 95% and a worldwide share of roughly 83.6%. According to Graco, although certain high
pressure SFE manufacturers have been eliminated by acquisition, other manufacturers have entered
the market. The high pressure SFE manufacturer 21st JMT was launched in 2006. Wiwa, a German
company and JHPK, a Chinese company, recently began manufacturing high pressure SFE. Based
on Graco’s internal market research, these manufacturers are relatively small in terms of volume of
business.
5
No original surveys or analysis of market concentrations were conducted in connection
with this case by Gama.
7
High Pressure SFE Distribution
High pressure SFE is almost exclusively purchased from a network of specialized
distributors. The parties disagree about whether this network of distributors is “small” and
“well-established;” but it is undisputed that Graco’s top twenty (20) distributors in 2008 and 2009
accounted for 60% of Graco’s high pressure SFE sales. Certain internal Graco documents state that
its market position is protected by high barriers to entry, including distribution barriers. As is
further explained in the next section, Gama has been unable to form a business relationship with the
established high pressure SFE distributors of Graco despite the fact that Gama's executives knew
these distributors for years when they were with Gusmer. Instead, Gama has created an independent
network of 19 North America distributors. Gama calls their distributors “second-tier” because they
lack the customer relationships of Graco’s top 20 distributors. Generally, a new high pressure SFE
distributor can be formed with minimal capital (as little as $100,000) so long as the distributor has
some experience in the industry; but Mr. Hrynkiewicz6 explains that new distributors cannot
effectively compete with established distributors because the newcomers lack the relationships with
insulation contractors that are integral to success.
At some point, Gama previously sold high pressure SFE direct to contractors over the
internet; but Mr. Hrynkiewicz asserts that Gama's effort was unsuccessful. Graco asserts there are
other potential distribution channels of high pressure SFE including spray foam chemical
distributors, construction equipment distributors, retailers, and insulation manufacturers. Gama
counters that none of these options permit Gama to compete with Graco on a significant basis.
6
See supra note 3.
8
The Expert Reports
Gama submitted expert reports by Brian Regan, C.P.A., M.B.A. and Dr. Morton Kamien,
Ph.D.
Mr. Regan’s report (the “Regan Report”) identified high Pressure SFE as a distinct market
in which Graco had market power. Mr. Regan’s conclusion that high pressure SFE was a distinct
market relied in part on Graco internal reports that tracked high pressure SFE sales and distributors
separately. Mr. Regan opined that fiberglass insulation was not interchangeable with high pressure
SFE because Owens Corning’s fiberglass insulation sales were not affected by higher Graco prices
on high pressure SFE. Mr. Regan opined that there was a distinct geographic market in North
America for high pressure SFE based on Graco’s internal reports and the absence of agreements
between international manufacturers and the local distributors which make most North American
sales. Mr. Regan reviewed Graco’s internal market concentration numbers discussed above and he
concluded, as did the Graco reports, that Graco possessed market power in the North American high
pressure SFE market.
Dr. Kamien’s report (the “Kamien Report”) identified high pressure SFE as a distinct market
in which Graco had market power. This opinion was based on the Regan Report, Graco’s
recognition of high pressure SFE as a distinct market, and distributor testimony that high pressure
SFE pricing was increasing because the rise in price did not cause a drop in demand. By relying on
Dr. Regan’s findings, Dr. Kamien concluded that by keeping competitors out of the market, a
company can raise its price and improve its gross margins without losing market share. Dr. Kamien
concluded there was a distinct North American market and Graco monopolized it for the same
reasons as Mr. Regan.
9
II
Summary judgment is appropriate under Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c) when the moving party
demonstrates that there is no genuine issue of material fact and the evidence establishes the moving
party’s entitlement to judgment as a matter of law. Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 322-23
(1986). A factual dispute is genuine if a reasonable jury could return a verdict for the non-movant,
and it is material if, under the substantive law, it would affect the outcome of the suit. Anderson v.
Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248 (1986). “In considering a motion for summary judgment,
a district court may not make credibility determinations or engage in any weighing of the evidence;
instead, the non-moving party’s evidence ‘is to be believed and all justifiable inferences are to be
drawn in his favor.’” Marino v. Indus. Crating Co., 358 F.3d 241, 247 (3d Cir. 2004) (quoting
Anderson, 477 U.S. at 255).
Once the moving party has satisfied its initial burden, the party opposing the motion must
establish that a genuine issue as to a material fact exists. Jersey Cent. Power & Light Co. v. Lacey
Twp., 772 F.2d 1103, 1109 (3d Cir. 1985). The party opposing the motion for summary judgment
cannot rest on mere allegations and instead must present actual evidence that creates a genuine issue
as to a material fact for trial. Anderson, 477 U.S. at 248; Siegel Transfer, Inc. v. Carrier Express,
Inc., 54 F.3d 1125, 1130-31 (3d Cir. 1995). “[U]nsupported allegations . . . and pleadings are
insufficient to repel summary judgment.” Schoch v. First Fidelity Bancorp., 912 F.2d 654, 657 (3d
Cir. 1990); see also Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(e) (requiring nonmoving party to “set forth specific facts
showing that there is a genuine issue for trial”). Moreover, only disputes over facts that might affect
the outcome of the lawsuit under governing law will preclude the entry of summary judgment.
Anderson, 477 U.S. at 247-48. If a court determines, “after drawing all inferences in favor of [the
non-moving party], and making all credibility determinations in his favor – that no reasonable jury
10
could find for him, summary judgment is appropriate.” Alevras v. Tacopina, 226 F. App’x. 222, 227
(3d Cir. 2007).
Antitrust Standing
Graco asserts that the Gama and Commette lack standing to pursue antitrust claims arising
before Gama began manufacturing high pressure SFE in October 2009. To determine whether
antitrust standing exists, this Court must consider: “(1) the causal connection between the antitrust
violation and the harm to the plaintiff and the intent of the defendant to cause that harm, with neither
factor alone conferring standing; (2) whether the plaintiff's alleged injury is of the type for which
the antitrust laws were intended to provide redress; (3) the directness of the injury, which addresses
the concerns that liberal application of standing principles might produce speculative claims; (4) the
existence of more direct victims of the alleged antitrust violations; and (5) the potential for
duplicative recovery or complex apportionment of damages.” Broadcom Corp. v. Qualcomm Inc.,
501 F.3d 297, 320 (3d Cir. 2007) (citation omitted). Whether antitrust standing exists is a question
of law. Warren Gen. Hosp. v. Amgen Inc., 643 F.3d 77, 83 (3d Cir. 2011) (citations omitted).
Graco argues that the final three elements weigh against the Counterclaimants for the period
when Gama did not manufacture high pressure SFE and instead resold equipment manufactured by
Garraf. Graco asserts that during this time (1) the Counterclaimants did not suffer any direct antitrust
injury; (2) Garraf was a more direct victim of any alleged anticompetitive acts, and (3) an award
to the Counterclaimants raises the specter of duplicate damages because Garraf could sue separately.
This Court finds that all five factors indicate that Gama possesses, and Mr. Commette lacks, antitrust
standing for the entire period of the claim.
Direct victims of antitrust injury fall into two categories. First, consumers and competitors
of the defendant suffer direct antitrust injuries. See Barton & Pittinos Inc. v. Smithkline Beecham
11
Corp., 118 F.3d 178, 181-82 (3d Cir. 1997). Second, parties competing in the same market as the
defendant that suffer injuries that are “inextricably linked” to the defendant’s anticompetitive
conduct suffer direct antitrust injuries. See also Broadcom, 501 F.3d at 320-21 (noting that
inextricable injury cases are limited to those where “both plaintiffs and defendants are in the
business of selling goods or services in the same relevant market”). Gama falls into the latter
category.
For the entire period of this claim, specifically 2005-2009, both Graco and Gama sold high
pressure SFE to insulation contractors. They competed in the same market. Graco has allegedly
prevented Gama from selling through Graco's distributor network, the primary channel for high
pressure SFE sales. As discussed below, Gama may have lost the opportunity to compete for sales
to Graco's top 20 distributors. This is inextricably linked to Graco’s alleged anticompetitive
conduct. Based on the record at this time, this Court finds that Gama suffered a direct antitrust
injury.
Additionally, there is evidence that Gama has been a more direct antitrust victim of Graco’s
anticompetitive conduct than Garraf. Gama suffered an antitrust injury – inability to compete fairly
in the market – whereas the manufacturer only experienced a decrease in royalties. EISAI Inc., v.
Sanofi-aventis U.S., LLC, 2010 WL 3172187, at *8. Gama had the exclusive right to import Garraf
product to North America.
Gama was therefore a more direct victim of Graco’s alleged
anticompetitive conduct then Garraf.
In addition to being the most direct victim of the antitrust injuries caused by Graco, the other
factors favor recognition of Gama’s standing to pursue this case. Causation between defendant’
conduct and plaintiff’s injury is clear. Finally, there is no evidence indicating that Garraf is likely
to sue Graco or would receive duplicative damages if it did sue. Gama has antitrust standing to
12
pursue all Sherman Act 2 claims asserted in this case, including claims arising before Gama began
selling its own high pressure SFE in October 2009.
Mr. Commette Lacks Antitrust Standing
Turning to Mr. Commette, this Court finds that he lacks standing to pursue any antitrust
claims against Graco. Mr. Commette was an employee and consultant of Graco and is now an
independent consultant to Gama and Garraf. Executives cannot pursue antitrust claims premised
on the theory that their employer was harmed by anticompetitive conduct. See Korkala v. Allpro
Imaging, Inc., No. 08-2712, 2009 WL 2496506, at *4 (D.N.J. Aug. 12, 2009). Brokers and
consultants cannot pursue claims for antitrust injuries suffered by their clients. See Martorano v.
PP & L Energy Plus, 334 F. Supp. 2d 796, 800-01 (E.D. Pa. 2004), aff’d, 137 F. App’x. 491 (3d Cir.
2005). The Counterclaimants have not identified any antitrust injury personal to Mr. Commette,
only injuries to Gama. Accordingly, Mr. Commette’s Sherman Act claims are dismissed for lack
of standing.
Actual Monopolization Claim7
Section 2 of the Sherman Act prohibits “monopoliz[ing] . . . any part of the trade or
commerce among the several States, or with foreign nations . . . .” 15 U.S.C. § 2 (2010). There are
two elements of a Section 2 monopolization claim: “(1) the possession of market power in the
relevant market and (2) the willful acquisition or maintenance of that power as distinguished from
growth or development as a consequence of a superior product, business acumen, or historic
accident.” Broadcom, 501 F.3d at 306-07 (internal quotation and citation omitted). Graco argues
7
The countercomplaint pleads both Section 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act in the first few
paragraphs of the counterclaims, but only the substance sets forth a Section 2 monopoly claim,
and a Section 2 attempted monopoly claim. The Counterclaimants make no reference to Section
1 in their opposition brief. Due to lack of clarity, the Section 1 claim, if any was alleged, is
dismissed (Rule 8).
13
that there are four flaws in Gama’s8 Sherman Act Section 2 claim: (1) no proof of a product market;
(2) no proof of a geographic market; (3) no direct proof that Graco has market power; and (4) no
proof of anticompetitive conduct. The first three concerns raised by Graco implicate prong one of
a monopolization claim: whether Graco has market power in the relevant market. Market power can
be proven either indirectly or directly. Below, indirect proof is considered.
One indirectly proves market power by (1) defining the relevant market, (2) establishing that
the defendant has a large share of that market, and (3) showing that there are barriers to entry which
protect the defendant’s large market share. Broadcom, 501 F.3d at 307 (citations omitted). To
define the relevant market, a plaintiff must prove the existence of a product market and geographic
market. Tunis Bros. Co. v. Ford Motor Co., 952 F.2d 715, 726 (3d Cir. 1991).
Whether the plaintiff has properly defined the relevant market is an issue for the fact finder.
Broadcom, 501 F.3d at 307. However, “[w]here the plaintiff fails to define its proposed relevant
market with reference to the rule of reasonable interchangeability and cross-elasticity of demand,
or alleges a proposed relevant market that clearly does not encompass all interchangeable substitute
products even when all factual inferences are granted in plaintiff’s favor, the relevant market is
legally insufficient.” U.S. Horticultural Supply v. Scotts Co., 367 F. App’x. 305, 309 (quoting
Queen City Pizza, Inc. v. Domino’s Pizza, Inc., 124 F.3d 430, 436 (3d Cir. 1997)). If the market
definition is insufficient, the plaintiff’s effort to indirectly prove market power inherently fails.
Queen City Pizza, 124 F.3d at 436-37.
8
As discussed above, Gama is the only valid plaintiff for the Sherman Act claims in this
case. Accordingly, the remainder of the antitrust section of this opinion will refer to the antitrust
claims as Gama’s claims.
14
There Is a Genuine Issue of Fact Regarding the Existence of a
High Pressure SFE Product Market
The countercomplaint alleged that Graco monopolized the market for “the plural component
spraying and dispensing high pressure SFE.
The relevant product market’s “outer boundaries are determined by the reasonable
interchangeability of use between a product and its substitute[s], or by their cross-elasticity of
demand.” Broadcom, 501 F.3d at 307 (citing Brown Shoe Co. v. United States, 370 U.S. 294, 325
(1962)). A “reasonable interchangeability” analysis looks at whether one product is roughly
equivalent to another for the use to which it is put. . . .” Queen City Pizza, 124 F.3d at 437-38.
Whether product’s are interchangeable is analyzed from the customers’ perspective. Id. at 438 n.6.
“Factors to be considered include price, use and qualities.” Tunis Bros. Co. v. Ford Motor Co., 952
F.2d 715, 722 (3d Cir. 1991) (citing United States v. E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Co., 351 U.S. 377,
404 (1956)). The relevant product market is also defined by cross-elasticity of demand, where “the
rise in the price of a good within a relevant product market would tend to create a greater demand
for other like goods in that market.” Queens City Pizza, 124 F.3d at 437-38 (quoting Tunis Brothers,
925 F.2d at 722).
Graco alleges that Gama’s proposed market definition is legally insufficient because there
is no interchangeability or cross-elasticity evidence supporting exclusion of low pressure SFE, Froth
Paks, and fiberglass insulation from the proposed product market.
Gama’s experts did not present a market survey describing whether there are products that
are interchangeable with high pressure SFE as analyzed from the customer’s perspective. Here, a
market survey is not required to determine the relevant product market since Reagan’s Report
concluded that high pressure SFE is a unique product and there is no substitute. When a product is
15
unique, a single brand of product may constitute a separate market. Eastman Kodak Co. v. Image
Technical Servs., Inc., 504 U.S. 451, 482 (1992). As previously discussed, high pressure SFE can
be distinguished from low pressure SFE, Froth Paks, and fiberglass insulation in terms of quality
and function. Thus, the relevant product market can be analyzed using cross-elasticity evidence.
Dr. Kamien’s report conducted a cross-elasticity analysis where he compared Graco’s increase in
market share once Graco acquired Gusmer and thereafter Glascraft and the significant increase in
prices that followed these acquisitions without a decrease in demand. Specifically, Dr. Kamien
looked to Dr. Reagan’s report and noted that Graco’s market share changed from 15% to 65% in
2005 after Graco acquired Gusmer in 2005 and the price for high pressure SFE increased by 8.3%.
Thereafter in 2008 when Graco acquired GlasCraft, Graco’s market share changed from 65% to 80%
and the prices increased by 26.8% with no decrease in demand. Thus, there is a genuine issue of fact
regarding the relevant product market for high pressure SFE as to cross-elasticity.
There is a Genuine Issue of Fact Regarding the Existence of a
North American Geographic Market for High Pressure SFE
In addition to proving the relevant product market, Gama bears the burden of proving the
relevant geographic market. A geographic market is defined from the customer’s perspective, i.e.
where do potential customers rationally look for the product? Gordon v. Lewistown Hosp., 423 F.3d
184, 212 (3d Cir. 2005).
Gama describes the relevant geographic market as North America. Graco asserts that Gama
has erred by excluding foreign manufacturers from the geographic market. Gama asserts that foreign
manufacturers cannot be considered competitors of Graco because they lack any “meaningful
distribution presence” in North America. Gama finds further support for a North American market
in Graco’s internal reports which separately track North America sales.
16
In this case, North American insulation contractors are the customers in question and the
market should be defined from their perspective. Gama offered no contractor depositions or affidavits
in support of their market definition, but rather relied on Graco’s internal reports. The Graco internal
reports use North America solely as a distinct market. Graco argues that its internal record is not
directly relevant because it does not speak to the customers’ (insulation contractors’) perspective of
the marketplace. However, Gama’s expert Mr. Regan opined that insulation contractors would not
rationally purchase from a foreign manufacturer. This conclusion was based on two facts. First,
Gama executives and distributors assert that insulation contractors almost exclusively purchase from
local distributors because of the intensive customer support needs that are intrinsic to high pressure
SFE. Second, no foreign high pressure SFE manufacturers have significant access to those local
North American distributors.
Viewing this evidence in the light most favorable to Gama, a
reasonable jury could find that North American insulation contractors look to their local distributor
networks for high pressure SFE and, at those distributors, the contractors exclusively find equipment
manufactured by North American producers.
There is a Genuine Issue of Fact Regarding Graco’s Possession of a Dominant Market
Share in the North American High pressure SFE Market
Market power “may ordinarily be inferred from a predominant share of the relevant market.”
U.S. v. E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., 351 U.S. 377, 391 (1956). An 80% market share is
sufficiently dominant to create a triable issue of fact on the matter of market power. Eastman Kodak
Co. v. Image Technical Servs., Inc., 504 U.S. 451, 480 (1992). Graco asserts that Gama has
submitted no evidence on market shares in the North American high pressure SFE market. Gama
completed no independent market concentration research, but contends that Graco’s own internal
market surveys demonstrate Graco’s market dominance.
17
A 2005 survey by Graco placed the company’s market share in high pressure SFE at 65%.
In 2008, Graco found that its market share in the global market for high pressure SFE was 72% and
Glascraft (soon to be acquired by Graco) held 11% of the market. A 2009 internal report on high
pressure SFE found that Graco had a North American market share of 95% and a worldwide share
of roughly 83.6%. Dr. Kamien found these market percentages sufficient to dominate market share.
A reasonable jury could determine that the product market measured in these Graco surveys is the
high pressure SFE market. Therefore, summary judgment dismissal is inappropriate.
There is a Genuine Issue of Fact Regarding the Existence of
Entry Barriers in the North American High Pressure SFE Market
A dominant market share may not equate to market power if there are new market entrants
waiting in the wings to compete for that market share. Accordingly, proof of barriers to entry are
required to indirectly prove market power. “Barriers to entry are factors, such as regulatory
requirements, high capital costs, or technological obstacles, that prevent new competition from
entering a market in response to a monopolist’s supracompetitive prices.” Broadcom, 501 F.3d at
307 (citing Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 591 n.15 (1986)).
The existence of a dominant and difficult to duplicate distribution network may be a barrier
to entry and indicate market power. See U.S. v. Dentsply Int’l, 399 F.3d at 188-90, 194-96 (3d Cir.
2005); see also Fineman v. Armstrong World Indus., Inc., 980 F.2d 171, 202- 203 (3d Cir. 1993)
(dismissing claim on other grounds, but noting that there was “evidence of significant barriers to
entry” where jury found that “quick penetration of the market [was] impossible without purchasing
an existing distribution network”). Here, where sales have been through 20 distributors, and where
direct sales, such as internet marketing, is infeasible, there may be a barrier to entry. See Dentsply
Int’l, 399 F.3d at 189.
18
Graco asserts that there are no barriers limiting entrance into either the business of
distributing or manufacturing high pressure SFE or the business of manufacturing high pressure SFE.
Graco notes that a handful of high pressure SFE manufacturers (including Gama, 21st, and JMT) have
launched in the last decade, and there are a number of PCE and IPPE manufacturers who could
quickly modify their products and enter the high pressure SFE market9. Additionally, Graco argues
that high pressure SFE distributors can be launched with just $100,000 and some industry experience.
Gama argues that Graco’s control of the largest high pressure SFE distributors constitutes a barrier
to entry.
The record indicates that high pressure SFE is almost exclusively purchased from a network
of specialized distributors, as opposed to national chain stores. For instance, Graco's top ten
distributors in 2008 and 2009 accounted for 40% of Graco's high pressure SFE sales during that time
Graco acquired Gusmer in part to obtain relationships with these distributors. While Gama has been
able to develop its own network of 19 independent North America distributors, these distributors
allegedly lack the extensive relationships with insulation contractors that Graco distributors possess.
Gama employee William Hrynkiewicz stated that new distributors face a long road to success
because they must slowly build relationships with contractors. Mr. Hrzynkiewicz also asserted that
Gama found direct internet sales of high pressure SFE were not viable. There is a fact whether a
reasonable jury could find that there is a limited group of distributors that dominate high pressure
SFE sales may pose a barrier to new entrants like Gama.
Gama submitted sufficient evidence on market definition, market share and entry barriers to
indirectly prove that Graco has market power in the North American high pressure SFE market.
Accordingly, this Court need not address Gama’s assertion that there is direct proof of market power.
9
See Note 4.
19
There is a Genuine Issue of Fact Regarding the Existence of Anti-Competitive Conduct
In addition to demonstrating market power, the plaintiff in a Sherman Act Section 2 case must
show that defendant engaged in the “willful acquisition or maintenance of [monopoly] power as
distinguished from growth or development as a consequence of a superior product, business acumen,
or historic accident.” Race Tires Am. Inc. v. Hoosier Racing Tire Corp., 614 F.3d 57, 75 (3d Cir.
2010) (quoting Eastman Kodak, 504 U.S. at 481). “The law directs itself not against conduct which
is competitive, even severely so, but against conduct which unfairly tends to destroy competition
itself.” Spectrum Sports, Inc. v. McQuillan, 506 U.S. 447, 458 (1993). Therefore, the plaintiff must
show that the defendant engaged in anti-competitive conduct by “compet[ing] on some basis other
than the merits.” Race Tires, 614 F.3d at 75 (citation omitted). If the plaintiff proves that
defendant’s conduct had an anticompetitive effect, the defendant may still avoid liability by showing
that their conduct was justified by procompetitive efficiencies. Dentsply Int’l, 399 F.3d at 196-97.
Gama alleges that Graco’s threat to cancel the contract of any distributor that sold a
competitor’s high pressure SFE turned the “best efforts” clause in Graco’s distribution contracts into
anticompetitive exclusive dealing agreements. An exclusive dealing agreement occurs when two
companies with a vertical relationship in their industry (supplier/distributor, distributor/customer,
etc.) agree that neither will transact business with a third company that competes with one of the
parties to the agreement (a rival supplier, distributor, etc.). Graco asserts Gama cannot prove
anti-competitive conduct because (1) its one year distribution agreements do not explicitly include
an exclusive dealing clause and (2) even if Gama was foreclosed from Graco’ distribution network,
Gama could reach customers through direct sales or alternative distribution agreements.10
10
Graco also asserts that it is “free to choose the parties with whom [it] will deal.” It is true that
Graco itself is likely free to decline dealing with Gama. But, there is a clear distinction between
20
Alternatively, Graco argues that its contracts with distributors do not harm competition in light of
their pro-competitive justifications.
There is a Genuine Issue of Fact Regarding the Existence of Anti-Competitive Effects
Caused by Graco's Exclusive Dealing Agreements With Its Distributors
Exclusive dealing agreements can lead to both anti-competitive effects that harm consumers
and pro-competitive efficiencies that benefit consumers. Race Tires, 614 F.3d at 76; see also
Dentsply Int’l, 399 F.3d at 184.
In deciding whether exclusive dealing agreements have
anti-competitive effects, the following factors are relevant: (1) the importance of dealer access in the
industry; (2) the potential for competitors to use alternate distribution channels to challenge
defendant's monopoly position; (3) the effectiveness of the exclusive dealing agreements in
foreclosing competitor access to distributors; (4) actual loss in customer options caused by the
agreements; (5) the extent to which the exclusive dealing agreements form a barrier to entry; and (6)
whether the exclusive dealing agreements were the product of coercion. Dentsply Int’l, 399 F.3d at
192-196 (discussing factors one through five); Race Tires, 614 F.3d at 77-78 (discussing factor six).
The jury is responsible for determining whether an exclusive dealing agreement has
anti-competitive effects based on the factors discussed above. See LePage's Inc. v. 3M, 324 F.3d 141,
163 (3d Cir. 2003). In this case, a jury could find that the first, second, third, fifth, and sixth factor
in the Third Circuit analysis indicate that Graco’s conduct was anticompetitive.
“refusal to deal” cases, like Pacific Bell Telephone Co. v. linkLine Communications, Inc., 129 S.
Ct. 1109, 1118 (2009), and “exclusive dealing agreement” cases, such as this case. It is well
established that “anti-competitve conduct can include a conspiracy to exclude a rival.” W. Penn
Allegheny Health Sys., Inc. v. UPMC, 627 F.3d 85, 109 (3d Cir. 2010) (citation omitted).
21
Factors One and Two: Dealer Access and Alternative Sales Channels
in the High pressure SFE Market
If dealer access is unimportant or direct sales are efficient then efforts to exclude a competitor
from dealers would have little anticompetitive effect. In Dentsply International, the Third Circuit
held that access to high-volume dealers was critical because customers relied on the benefits of highvolume dealers, including financing, better pricing, “one stop shopping”, and product return services.
399 F.3d at 192-193. The court held that direct sales were not a viable alternate distribution channel
where the industry was dominated by a network of “long-entrenched” distributors and no
manufacturer had been able to gain significant market share with direct sales. Id. at 193. In this case,
Gama’s employees and experts explain that dealer access is critical in the high pressure SFE industry
because customers rely on dealer-provided customer service. Furthermore, Gama completely
abandoned its direct sales approach after finding that it was not viable. A reasonable jury could find
that access to Graco’s high-volume dealers is a prerequisite to success in the high pressure SFE
industry and that direct sales are not a viable substitute.
Factor Three: Effectiveness of Graco’s Exclusive Dealing Agreements
An exclusive agreement would not be anticompetitive if it failed to actually exclude
competitors. Although, a number of circuits11 consider the length of an exclusive dealing agreement
to be critical in deciding whether it is anticompetitive, the Third Circuit has rejected the notion that
short-term exclusive dealing contracts are inherently less dangerous. In the Third Circuit, the
emphasis is on evaluating the defendant’s actual success in excluding competitors from its distributor
network. Dentsply Int'l, 399 F.3d at 193-94. Graco’s distribution agreements only last one year. But,
11
E.g., Omega Envtl., Inc. v. Gilbarco, Inc., 127 F.3d 1157, 1162-63 (9th Cir. 1997); Roland
Mach. Co. v. Dresser Indus., Inc., 749 F.2d 380, 395 (7th Cir. 1984) (“[e]xclusive-dealing
contracts terminable in less than a year are presumptively lawful”).
22
since Graco distributed the Best Efforts Letter in 2007, Graco appears to have succeeded in generally
excluding Gama from its distribution network. A number of Graco distributors have asserted that
they chose not to deal with Gama because of the Best Efforts Letter. A reasonable jury could find
that Graco essentially succeeded in precluding its competitors from accessing its distribution
network.
Factor Five: Barriers to Entry in the High Pressure SFE Market
Significant barriers to entry exist if a dominant manufacturer’s share is so large that
distributors cannot risk losing access to its product and those same distributors are so entrenched that
upstart manufacturers cannot compensate for lack of access by using alternate sales channels or
sponsoring new distributors. Dentsply Int’l, 399 F.3d at 194-96. The president of High pressure SFE
distributor Foampak asserted that he could not afford to risk his access to Graco product and therefore
abstained from selling Gama product. Other named distributors apparently decided not to carry Gama
high pressure SFE because they could not risk losing access to Graco product. Industry insiders
assert that new high pressure SFE dealerships provide little market penetration and direct sales are
not viable. Accordingly, a reasonable jury could find that Graco’s control over its dominant high
pressure SFE distribution network was a significant barrier to new market entrants.
Factor Six: Coercive Character of Graco’s Exclusive Dealing Agreements
If a party is coerced into an exclusive dealing agreement that may indicate the party perceived
the agreement as anticompetitive and support an identical jury finding. In Race Tires America, Inc.,
the Third Circuit noted that the exclusive supply agreement between a tire manufacturer and auto
racing circuit was sought out by both parties and that this weighed against a finding of
anticompetitive conduct. 614 F.3d at 77-78. On the other hand, the finding of anticompetitive
conduct in Dentsply International was supported by the fact that the dominant manufacturer
23
“imposed” an exclusive dealing regime on its distributors. Race Tires, 614 F.3d at 77 (citing
Dentsply, Int’l, 399 F.3d at 184). There is evidence that certain Graco distributors wanted to sell
Gama high pressure SFE but were convinced to decline Gama business by the Best Efforts Letter.
A reasonable jury could find that Graco’s exclusive dealing agreements were the product of coercion.
Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to Gama, a reasonable jury could find that
Graco engaged in anticompetitive conduct by transforming the best efforts clause in its distributor
agreements into coercive exclusive dealing agreements.
There is an Issue of Fact as to Whether Graco’s Pro-Competitive
Justifications are Pretextual.
As an affirmative defense, a Sherman Act Section 2 defendant can prove that its exclusive
dealing agreement – although causing anticompetitive effects – was justified because it “promote[d]
a sufficiently pro-competitive objective.” Dentsply Int’l, 399 F.3d at 196-97. Valid justifications
include: (1) preventing distributors from free-riding on marketing and services provided by the
manufacturer, Leegin Creative Leather Products., Inc. v. PSKS, Inc., 551 U.S. 877, 890-91 (2007),
and (2) reducing customer confusion, See Clorox Co. v. Sterling Winthrop, Inc., 117 F.3d 50, 60 (2d
Cir. 1997) (dicta). Whether an asserted pro-competitive justification should be rejected as pretextual
is a question of fact. Digene Corp. v. Third Wave Techs., Inc., 323 F. App’x. 902, 910 (Fed. Cir.
2009); Morris Commc’ns Corp. v. PGA Tour, Inc., 364 F.3d 1288, 1296 (11th Cir. 2004).
Graco asserts that its exclusive dealing agreements were justified because they prevented its
distributors from free-riding on the training services that Graco provides and reduced the risk of
customer confusion. As discussed above, these are both valid justifications.
24
However, Graco provides no contemporaneous evidence that the Best Efforts Letter was
motivated by an emphasis on reducing customer confusion or preventing free-riding. Instead, Mr.
McHale’s contemporaneously indicated that Graco should bring out “the poison and traps” to stop
Gama. Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to Gama, a reasonable jury could find that
Graco’s pro-competitive justifications are a post hoc pretext.
There is a genuine issue of fact regarding the existence of both market power and
anti-competitive conduct. Accordingly, Gama’s monopolization claim may proceed forward.
Attempted Monopolization Claim
Section 2 of the Sherman Act prohibits “attempt[ing] to monopolize, or combin[ing] or
conspir[ing] with any other person or persons, to monopolize any part of the trade or commerce
among the several States, or with foreign nations . . . .” 15 U.S.C. § 2 (2010). There are three
elements of a Section 2 attempted monopolization claim: (1) predatory or anticompetitive conduct
with (2) a specific intent to monopolize and (3) a dangerous probability of achieving market power.
Race Tires, 614 F.3d at 75 (citing Spectrum, 506 U.S. at 456).
As established above, there is a genuine issue of fact regarding whether Graco’s exclusive
dealing agreements with its distributors constitute anticompetitive conduct.
Specific intent to monopolize may be proven by showing that the defendant engaged in
anti-competitive conduct without any pro-competitive justification. See Broadcom, 501 F.3d at 318
(citing Aspen Skiing Co. v. Aspen Highlands Skiing Corp., 472 U.S. 585, 608 n.39 (1985)). As
established above, there is a genuine issue of fact as to whether Graco engaged in anti-competitive
conduct without any pro-competitive justification.
A “dangerous probability” of monopoly may be proven by showing that the defendant
possessed a market share in excess of 60% and that barriers to entry limit customer choice. See In
25
re Mushroom Direct Purchaser Antitrust Litig., 514 F. Supp. 2d 683, 700-01 (E.D. Pa. 2007) (citing
Barr Labs., Inc. v. Abbott Labs., 978 F.2d 98, 112 (3d Cir. 1992)). As established above, there is a
genuine issue of fact as to whether Graco has a 90% share and controls entry barriers in the North
American market for high pressure SFE.
Accordingly, Gama’s attempted monopolization claim may proceed forward.
The Trade Libel Claim
The sixth count in the Countercomplaint is for trade libel. The Counterclaimants allege that
“Graco [] published and communicated to third persons false statements about Counterclaimants,
their property, and their business. “The elements of trade libel are: 1) publication; 2) with malice; 3)
of false allegations concerning [the claimant’s] property, product or business, and 4) special damages,
i.e. pecuniary harm.” Mayflower Transit, LLC v. Prince, 314 F. Supp. 2d 362, 378 (D.N.J. 2004)
(citations omitted) (applying New Jersey law). Graco asserts that this claim must fail because the
Counterclaimants have presented no admissible evidence of special damages. (Graco’s Moving Br.,
pp. 36-37; Graco’s Reply Br., pp. 23-24).
“[P]roof of damages is essential in an action for trade libel.” Patel v. Soriano, 848 A.2d 803,
834 (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2004). Special damages can be shown by “identify[ing] particular
business interests who have refrained from dealing with [the plaintiff.]” Patel, 848 A.2d at 835
(denying summary judgment dismissal where plaintiff-physician lost half of her clients after alleged
defamation); see also Mayflower Transit, 314 F. Supp. 2d at 378-79 (denying plaintiff’s motion for
summary judgment because no evidence on specific lost contracts or customers was presented). The
Counterclaimants argue that the declarations of two Gama distributors prove special damages. The
distributors declared that they had heard from potential customers who chose not to purchase Gama
product because they heard from Graco that Gama was going out of business. These distributors did
26
not identify the lost customers. In fact, no evidence has been presented identifying any specific
customer or contract that Gama lost because consumers heard Gama was exiting the business. The
Counterclaimants fail to raise a genuine issue of fact as to the existence of special damages.
Accordingly, the Counterclaimants’ trade libel claim is dismissed.
The Unfair Trade Practice Claims
The fourth count of the Countercomplaint alleges that “Graco’s conduct constitutes unfair
trade practices as that concept is defined by the New Jersey Fair Trade Act (“Fair Trade Act”).
Graco’s conduct was not privileged or authorized under law.” The fifth count alleges that “Graco’s
conduct constitutes unfair competition.” The parties make no distinction between the common law
and statutory claims in their papers. Courts treat the two claims as identical. M. Eagles Tool
Warehouse, Inc. v. Fisher Tooling Co., Inc., No. 97-1568, 2007 WL 979854, at *17 (D.N.J. Mar. 30,
2007) (citing Duffy v. Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., 97 F. Supp. 2d 592, 600 & n.7 (D.N.J. 2000)).
This Court will dismiss the common law claim because it duplicates the statutory claim.
The Fair Trade Act states that “[n]o merchant, firm or corporation shall appropriate for his
or their own use a name, brand, trade-mark, reputation or goodwill of any maker in whose product
such merchant, firm or corporation deals.” N.J.S.A. 56:4-1. The Fair Trade Act “is equivalent to the
federal unfair competition provision contained in Section 43(a) of the Lanham Act.” CSC Holds.,
LLC v. Optimum Networks, Inc., 731 F. Supp. 2d 400, 411 (D.N.J. 2010) (citations omitted). Plaintiff
has the burden of showing: “(1) that the defendant has made false or misleading statements as to his
own product or another’s; (2) that there is actual deception or at least a tendency to deceive a
substantial portion of the intended audience; (3) that the deception is material in that it is likely to
influence purchasing decisions; (4) that the advertised goods traveled in interstate commerce; and
(5) that there is a likelihood of injury to the plaintiff in terms of declining sales, loss of good will,
27
etc.” Pernod Ricard USA, LLC v. Bacardi U.S.A., Inc., 653 F.3d 241, 248 (3d Cir. 2011) (quotations
and citations omitted).
Graco argues that this claim must fail because its alleged statements – that Gama was going
out of business, that Gama products are “recycled” from old designs, and that Gama products are
“knock offs” of Graco designs – were mere “puffery.” (Graco’s Moving Br., pp. 38-39). Puffery is
not actionable. Castrol Inc. v. Pennzoil Co., 987 F.2d 939, 945 (3d Cir 1993); Bracco Diagnostics,
Inc. v. Amersham Health, Inc., 627 F. Supp .2d 384, 484 (D.N.J. 2009). Puffery is characterized by
general claims of superiority or inferiority as opposed to claims regarding specific attributes or
measurable aspects of a product. Castrol, 987 F.2d at 946. Whether a statement qualifies as puffery
can be decided as a matter of law. Cook, Perkiss and Liehe, Inc. v. N. Cal. Collection, 911 F.2d 242,
245 (9th Cir. 1990); Rexall Sundown, Inc. v. Perrigo Co., 651 F. Supp. 2d 9, 21 (E.D.N.Y. 2009).
Graco told potential customers that Gama would soon be exiting the high pressure SFE market. An
implication of this is that Gama customers would be left without service support. Indeed, it appears
that Graco promoted this conclusion. (“[T]he Graco rep [] Said [sic] . . . don’t buy anything gama
because you would be stuck with it.”). The availability of customer service is a specific product
characteristic that would be material to most customers. At this time, this Court cannot say that
Graco’s statements concerning Gama’s viability are excusable as puffery. However, this Court notes
that there is no indication that Graco has made any misleading statements regarding Mr. Commette.
Accordingly, Gama’s Fair Trade Act claim may proceed forward and its common law unfair
trade practices claim is dismissed as redundant. Both Mr. Commette’s Fair Trade Act claim and
common law unfair trade practices claim are dismissed.
28
Tortious Interference With Business Advantage Claim
The third count of the Countercomplaint alleges that “Graco is intentionally and unjustifiably
interfering with Gama’s business and Mr. Commette’s livelihood.” Tortious interference with
business advantage requires proof of “(1) a reasonable expectation of economic advantage to
plaintiff, (2) interference done intentionally and with ‘malice,’ (3) causal connection between the
interference and the loss of prospective gain, and (4) actual damages.” Varrallo v. Hammond Inc.,
94 F.3d 842, 848 (3d Cir. 1996) (citing Printing Mart-Morristown v. Sharp Elecs. Corp., 563 A.2d
31, 37 (N.J. 1989)). Graco asserts that this claim must fail because the Counterclaimants failed to
submit evidence of (1) malicious conduct by Graco and (2) specific economic damages suffered by
Gama or Mr. Commette
To constitute tortious interference, defendant’s conduct must be both intentional and
malicious. Malice is evinced by actions that are “transgressive of generally accepted standards of
common morality or of law.” Lamorte Burns & Co. v. Walters, 770 A.2d 1158, 1170, 1171 (N.J.
2001). Conduct that is fraudulent, dishonest, or illegal meets this test. Lamorte Burns, 770 A.2d at
1171 (citation omitted). In this case, the alleged wrongful conduct includes Graco’s “repeated[] false
and misleading statements to Gama customers” and “anticompetitive conduct in violation of the
Sherman Act.” As discussed above, Graco may have violated the Sherman Act. It cannot be said
that, as a matter of law, Graco did not engage in malicious conduct.
Economic damages are a substantive element of a tortious interference claim. These damages
must be identified with a certain degree of specificity. “[C]laimed loss of . . . unknown customers”
is insufficient. Eli Lilly and Co. v. Roussel Corp., 23 F. Supp.2d 460, 494 (D.N.J.1998) (applying
New Jersey law) (quoting Advanced Power Sys., Inc. v. Hi-Tech Sys., Inc., 801 F. Supp. 1450, 1459
(E.D. Pa.1992) (applying Pennsylvania law)); c.f. Patel, 848 A.2d at 835 (lost customer is proper
29
proof of special damages in trade libel claim). The president of Graco distributor Foampak has
asserted that Foampak would have carried Gama product absent Graco’s exclusive dealing
requirement. A reasonable jury could find that Foampak was a potential Gama customer lost due to
Graco’s tortious interference. However, the Counterclaimants have not identified any evidence that
Mr. Commette has suffered economic damages.
Accordingly, Gama’s tortious interference claim may proceed forward, but Mr. Commette’s
claim is dismissed.
ORDER
For the reasons set forth in the above Memorandum,
IT IS on this 15th day of February, 2012
ORDERED that Graco’s Motion for Summary Judgment dated June 10, 2011 (Docket Entry
616) is granted in part and denied in part; and it is further
ORDERED that Mr. Commette’s counterclaims (Counts One through Six) are dismissed; and
it is further
ORDERED that Gama’s counterclaims (Count Five and Count Six) are dismissed; and it is
further
ORDERED that Gama's counterclaim alleging a Sherman Act violation is limited to a Section
2 violation of high pressure spray foam equipment in North America.
s/Peter G. Sheridan
PETER G. SHERIDAN, U.S.D.J.
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