Akzo Nobel Coatings, Inc. v. Color & Equipment LLC

We have heard oral argument in this case, and given the case careful consideration. The primary issues in this case involve the breakdown of a long-term relationship between Martin, his company, Color & Equipment, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, Akzo. After years of employment with Akzo and service in the northern Alabama market, in 1999, Martin and his company (hereinafter “Martin”) became an independent contractor-wholesaler for Akzo in the northern Alabama market selling Akzo paints primarily in the car finishing business. After negotiating a new arrangement with DuPont, Martin…