Alvis Coating v. Townsend
Public Citizen defended Alan and Linda Townsend from Alvis, Inc.’s attempt to shut down a website that the Townsends created to criticize the company. After several months of attempting to work with Alvis and one of its dealers to resolve problems with the application of Alvis Spray on Siding to their home, the Townsends began publishing a website to voice their frustration and provide a forum for others to do so. Alvis responding by bringing numerous frivolous claims against the Townsends in what amounts to a classic Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation or “SLAPP suit.”
After Public Citizen opposed the motion for a preliminary injunction and moved to dismiss, plaintiff stopped paying its lawyers and the suit was dismissed.