Barrett-Jackson Auction Co. v. Clabuesch [1]

The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company sued David Clabuesch a Michigan probate judge, and his company, ThumbCo, for breach of contract and defamation relating to actions and statements Clabuesch allegedly made concerning an antique car the company sold for him. Barrett-Jackson claims in its complaint [2] that Clabuesch chained the car's wheels at the auction, put up a sign calling the sale void, taped a "grievance report" to the car, and posted defamatory comments on blogs, chatrooms, email lists, and websites stating that the company "quick gaveled the car" and sold it for less than it was worth. Clabuesch denies posting any comments.

Updates:

4/16/07 - Clabuesch filed a counterclaim against Barrett-Jackson for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, conversion, and negligence.

6/8/07 - Barrett-Jackson filed a motion to dismiss the counterclaims

1/9/2008 - Clabuesch filed a notice of settlement.