Toyo Tire Has $100 Million Cut Off Award in Trade Dress Case (1)

Toyo Tire Corp. must pay a rival company slightly more than $10 million in damages for unfair business practices and tortious interference, a Chicago federal judge ruled, far less than the $110 million awarded by a jury last year.

The jury’s punitive damages award of $100 million in favor of Atturo Tire Corp. was “excessive,” even though it found Toyo’s conduct was willful and deceptive, Judge Mary M. Rowland held.

Punitive damages are only needed when the conduct is “so reprehensible” that greater punishment is needed for deterrence, she said, reducing the amount to $100,000.

Toyo sued Atturo for trade ...