Toyo Tire Corp. v. Atturo Tire Corporation, decided 04 Oct 24

This case is about a trade dress infringement lawsuit between Toyo Tire and Atturo Tire. Toyo sued Atturo for copying its tire tread design, but the district court sanctioned Toyo for discovery misconduct, excluding expert testimony and granting summary judgment for Atturo due to Toyo's failure to properly define its trade dress. Atturo's counterclaims, alleging tortious interference and other issues stemming from Toyo's actions in an International Trade Commission settlement, proceeded to trial, resulting in a large damage award for Atturo. The appellate court affirmed some sanctions, but reversed the judgment on Atturo's counterclaims, finding them barred by Illinois' absolute litigation privilege, ultimately dismissing the majority of Atturo's claims.