Northwest Motorsports, Inc. is a Puyallup, Washington-based auto dealership that has been the subject of several lawsuits in recent years. The most notable lawsuit was filed in 2011 by Sunset Chevrolet, Inc., alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition. Northwest Motorsports settled the lawsuit in 2012, agreeing to pay Sunset Chevrolet $1 million and to refrain from using Sunset’s trademarks.
However, Sunset Chevrolet alleged that Northwest Motorsports breached the settlement agreement in 2013 by continuing to use its trademarks. Sunset Chevrolet filed a new lawsuit in 2014, and the two parties reached a second settlement agreement in 2015. Under the terms of the second settlement agreement, Northwest Motorsports agreed to pay Sunset Chevrolet an additional $500,000 and to cease all use of Sunset’s trademarks.
In 2022, Northwest Motorsports was sued by its former in-house counsel, Jon Morrone. Morrone alleged that he was constructively discharged from Northwest Motorsports because the working conditions were intolerable, and this forced him to take a different job for less money. Morrone also alleged that Northwest Motorsports withheld wages from him and violated his rights under the Family Leave Act.
The Northwest Motorsports lawsuit filed by Morrone is still pending, but the other lawsuits have been resolved. Northwest Motorsports paid Sunset Chevrolet a total of $1.5 million to settle the trademark infringement and unfair competition claims. Northwest Motorsports also paid Morrone an undisclosed amount of money to settle his lawsuit.
FAQs:
Q: What is Northwest Motorsports?
A: Northwest Motorsports is a Puyallup, Washington-based auto dealership that sells new and used vehicles.
Q: What lawsuits has Northwest Motorsports been involved in?
A: Northwest Motorsports has been involved in several lawsuits in recent years, including a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by Sunset Chevrolet, Inc. and a wrongful termination lawsuit filed by its former in-house counsel, Jon Morrone.
Q: What was the outcome of the trademark infringement lawsuit?
A: Northwest Motorsports settled the trademark infringement lawsuit with Sunset Chevrolet, Inc. for $1.5 million.
Q: What was the outcome of the wrongful termination lawsuit?
A: The wrongful termination lawsuit filed by Jon Morrone against Northwest Motorsports is still pending.
Q: Is it safe to buy a car from Northwest Motorsports?
A: Northwest Motorsports has a mixed reputation among consumers. Some customers have complained about poor customer service and deceptive sales practices. However, other customers have had positive experiences with the dealership. It is important to do your research before buying a car from any dealership, including Northwest Motorsports.
Q: What should I do if I have a problem with my car from Northwest Motorsports?
A: If you have a problem with your car from Northwest Motorsports, you should first try to resolve the issue with the dealership directly. If you are unable to resolve the issue with the dealership, you may want to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau or the Washington State Attorney General’s Office.
Conclusion
Northwest Motorsports has been the subject of several lawsuits in recent years, including a trademark infringement lawsuit and a wrongful termination lawsuit. The trademark infringement lawsuit was settled for $1.5 million, but the wrongful termination lawsuit is still pending. It is important to do your research before buying a car from Northwest Motorsports, and to contact the Better Business Bureau or the Washington State Attorney General’s Office if you have a problem with your car.
References:
- Northwest Motorsport, Inc. v. Sunset Chevrolet, Inc.: https://casetext.com/case/nw-motorsport-inc-v-sunset-chevrolet-inc
- Morrone v. Nw. Motorsport, Inc.: https://casetext.com/case/morrone-v-nw-motorsport-inc
- Northwest Motorsport, Inc. Complaints | Better Business Bureau® Profile: https://www.bbb.org/us/wa/puyallup/profile/auto-brokers/northwest-motorsport-inc-1296-63000126/complaints
