Victorious Trial for WHGC Client in Defamation, Trade Libel and Tortuous Interference with Contract Case

Jury finds defamatory statements against International Fireproof Technologies, Inc. and Paint to Protect™ by competitor were malicious and false.

Houston, TX - A jury in the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Texas in Houston returned a verdict in favor of WHGC's client, International Fireproof Technologies, Inc. (IFTI) and Paint to Protect (PTP) May 25 against Flame Seal Products, Inc. and their president, Mike Kiser for defamation and unfair competition in connection with false statements concerning IFTI, PTP and IFTI's thermal barrier and intumescent coating product, DC315.

Based in Irvine, CA, IFTI and PTP sued their competitor in the fire prevention and retardant coating business, Flame Seal and Kiser for damages caused by numerous false and defamatory statements which Flame Seal and Kiser made concerning IFTI, PTP and the integrity of testing for DC315.

IFTI's Executive Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Gary Wolfe was thankful the jury saw the truth and relieved the two-week trial was over.

"We are grateful to the jury for today's verdict. Finally, the jury vindicated us in court and cleared our

Leading the Way: WHGC partner and lead counsel for IFTI, Mr. John van Loben Sels spearheaded his legal team to win for IFTI and PTP.

good name," Wolfe said. "Now the integrity of our companies, our great product, DC315 and our product testing are no longer under the cloud of Flame Seal's false statements."

In addition, the jury also found Flame Seal's and Kiser's statements were made with fraud, malice and oppression, and as a result, awarded $400,000 in punitive damages against Flame Seal and Kiser. Because the court has not yet reviewed the plaintiff's application for the award of costs and attorneys' fees, the full amount of the final judgment is not yet known.

WHGC lead counsel, John van Loben Sels, who spearheaded his five-man legal team, which included three associate attorneys and two paralegals, was pleased the court validated his client's claims.

"We were gratified the jury agreed with us that the defendants maliciously and willfully lied about our clients and their great product," said van Loben Sels. "The verdict was a vindication of my clients' rights and a reaffirmation of the vital role our juries play in the justice system."

IFTI and PTP have made a formal announcement on our website, declaring victory for the company and their customers.

"We are glad to get back to working with our foam manufacturing partners, building our business, and bringing DC315 to an eager market," said Wolfe.

For more information on IFTI and PTP's win, please check out their website at: www.painttoprotect.com.

For more information on WHGC or Mr. John van Loben Sels, please check out: www.whgclaw.com.