Owens-Illinois Product Liability Defense

Client:	Owens-Illinois, Inc.
Representation:	Product Liability Defense
Date:	August 2007
Locations:	California

Summary:

Schiff Hardin successfully defended our client, Owens-Illinois, Inc., in a case seeking $25 million in lost profits and brand damage.

Twee Jonge Gezellen, a South African producer of sparkling wine, brought suit alleging that Owens-Illinois had negligently advised a South African glass maker regarding an internal bottle treatment. Along with preparing a comprehensive scientific defense involving glass surface chemistry, microbiology and enology issues, we submitted a motion for summary judgment arguing that our client owed no duty to the plaintiff, that the plaintiff's claims were untimely, and that the plaintiff's claims were barred by the principles of res judicata and comity.

The trial court granted our motion for summary judgment on the statute of limitations ground shortly before trial; the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed.

Twee Jonge Gezellen, LTD v. Owens-Illinois, Inc. and Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc.