The moving parties (defendants by counterclaim) brought a motion for summary judgment on their counterclaim for defamation and loss of business reputation against the responding party (plaintiff).
The responding party had previously brought an action claiming ownership of a classic Ferrari, which was dismissed.
After the moving parties purchased the vehicle and sold it to a third party, the responding party's counsel sent an email to an auction house falsely claiming the vehicle was stolen.
The court found the statements were defamatory, false, and not protected by qualified privilege.
The court awarded $500,000 in damages for loss of business reputation due to the abrupt end of a profitable business relationship caused by the defamatory statements.
The claim for punitive damages was dismissed.