Chicago Business Litigation Lawyer Blog
A purchaser of a classic 1973 Ford Bronco sued the car’s auctioneer in Illinois court. The purchaser alleged that the vendor committed fraud by misrepresenting the condition of the vehicle in its advertisements and during the auction. The circuit court dismissed the case for lack of personal jurisdiction. The Illinois Appellate Court reversed, finding that the vendor had sufficient contacts with Illinois when it solicited the business of the purchaser via advertisements, its website, and its communications over email and the phone.
In January 2018, John Dixon saw an advertisement posted by GAA Classic Cars, LLC on a car-related website. The advertisement listed a 1973 Ford Bronco for sale at auction. Dixon responded to the advertisement by sending an email to GAA requesting more information about the Bronco including how to bid for it. GAA responded with an email to Dixon, inviting Dixon to bid on the Bronco at the auction scheduled for March 2, 2018. GAA’s email told Dixon that he could participate via live simulcast bidding or on the telephone via phone bidding. GAA added that Dixon could find more information about the Bronco at GAA’s website. Dixon asked for pictures of the Bronco’s engine. GAA responded by email that it would send him pictures of the engine once GAA received the Bronco from its owner. GAA told Dixon that the auction price for the Bronco should run around $30,000.00 – $40,000.00. Continue reading ›