| Subject: |
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Layson's Responds: |
| Name: |
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MoparNorm |
| Date Posted: |
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Jul 16, 08 - 8:37 PM |
| IP Address: |
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71.104.149.239 |
| Email: |
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moparnorm@hotmail.com |
| Dodge-Link |
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http://www.wilwood.com/Products/006-MasterCylinders/001-PV/index.asp |
| Message: |
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From Allpar.com
Dave Layson, owner of Layson’s Restorations of Lakewood, Washington, denied any wrongdoing in connection with the investigation that resulted in the searches and seizures of his inventory, as well as his arrest at the annual Chryslers at Carlisle car show last week.
The investigation comes as the culmination of a long-running dispute between Layson’s and the Chrysler Corporation. Layson argued that competitors were upset with Layson's market share and ability to bring long-discontinued items to market at a fair price; and that parts made by Layson's were made with the trademarked Pentastar logo, and sold as reproductions (the latter was confirmed by the police report).
Dave Layson also argued that Chrysler has yet to roll-out a "meaningful" licensing program that includes manufacturing standards, exclusivity agreements, marketing agreements or a uniform royalty structure. This, he said, is why his company has not participated in the company’s licensing program. Layson's believes that Chrysler has tried to intimidate and coerce vendors to pay into "what amounts to a... non-existent and yet-unformed licensure program."
Layson's Restorations sent Allpar a notice that claims:
Parts that carry the Pentastar logo seized from Layson’s were all purchased from “licensed” vendors, and are not so called “Forged auto parts” as the mis-informed authorities acting at Chrysler’s behest allege.
Layson has records and purchase orders to document the acquisition of these parts and is confident that a more careful investigation will prove these facts. While Layson’s does not subscribe to Chrysler’s claim of licensure, other mis-informed vendors have been intimidated into doing so, and subsequently have produced parts bearing the trademark Pentastar. Again, any of those parts in Layson’s possession were legally purchased from those vendors and the documents exist to prove it.
Layson’s believes that the Chrysler Corporation wrote a criminal complaint that constituted a “wish list” of sorts. Chrysler was then able to persuade investigators in tiny North Middleton, PA to carry their water, which in turn lead to a request for assistance from the Lakewood, WA Police Department.
The searches, seizures and resulting loss of business have been entirely excessive. The serious verbiage contained in the charges, excessive bail, and the use of clearly excessive criminal charges are outrageous.
The questioning of employees, the seizure of personal property and the blind speculation about “exploding” investigations by Lakewood law enforcement officials who have no background in this case or trademark law are way, way out of line, are libelous on their face and have already caused Layson’s Restorations serious and substantial damages in the marketplace. |
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