Mealey's (August 10, 2016, 8:25 AM EDT) -- PHILADELPHIA — A Pennsylvania federal judge on July 13 allowed breach of contract claims brought by Cottman Transmission Centers franchisees to proceed, finding that the plaintiffs have demonstrated that the Cottman brand deteriorated after its parent bought a competing transmission repair franchise, hurting Cottman’s reputation (The Jade Group Inc., et al. v. Cottman Transmission Centers LLC, et al., No. 16-01237, E.D. Pa.; 2016 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 90630).

(Opinion available. Document #98-160809-048Z.)

U.S. Judge Gerald J. Pappert of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania granted Cottman’s motion to...