Gregory L. Curtner

Experience

Gregory has successfully represented many prominent defendants, including the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), in precedent-setting cases. He  frequently serves as lead counsel in nationwide antitrust disputes and class actions and has appeared pro hac vice in numerous state and federal courts. A former chairman of the Antitrust Section of the State Bar of Michigan, Gregory was a primary drafter of the Michigan Antitrust Reform Act. He is a frequent speaker on antitrust, product distribution and joint venture issues.

Reported + Published Decisions

Pocono Invitational Sport Camp, Inc., et al. v. NCAA, Civil Action No. 00-CV-5708 (E.D.Pa.2000)

Eric Henkel, et al. v. NCAA, Civil Action No. 02-CV-4060, (E.D.Pa.2002)

Worldwide Basketball and Sports Tours, Inc., et al. v. NCAA, Civil Action No. C-2-00-1439 (S.D.Oh., Columbus Division 2000)

Adidas America, Inc., v. NCAA, Civil Action No. 98-2510-GTV (D.Kan. 1998), 40 F.Supp.2d 1275 (D.Kan. 1999), 64 F.Supp.2d 1097) (D.Kan.1999), and 193 F.R.D. 693 (D.Kan.2000)

In re Baseball Bat Antitrust Litigation, Civil Action No. 98-MC-1249-KHV, 75 F.Supp.2d 1189 (D.Kan.1999)

Baum Research and Development Co., Inc. v. Hillerich & Bradsby Co., Inc., Civil Action No. 98-72946, 31 F.Supp.2d 1016 (E.D.Mich.1998)

Law v. National Collegiate Athletic Ass'n, Civil Action Nos. 94-2053, 94-2392, 95-2025-KHV, variously reported at 5 F.Supp.2d 921), (D.Kan.1998), 185 F.R.D. 324 (D.Kan 1999), 108 F.Supp.2d 1193 (D.Kan. 2000) and prior opinions cited in those decisions

Dickerson v. Raphael, Civil Action No. NG-W-93-0007117-NZ, (Washtenaw County, Michigan), on appeal 222 Mich.App.185 (1997), rev'd

In re Rospatch Securities Litigation and related cases, Civil Action Nos. 90-CV-805, 90-CV-806, 90-CV-807, and 91-CV-085 (W.D.Mich.) resulting in reported decisions at 760 F.Supp.1239 (W.D.Mich.1991), 802- F.Supp.110 (W.D.Mich.1992)

Ameriwood Industries Intern. Corp. v. American Cas. Co. of Reading, Pennsylvania, Civil Action No. 92-CV-658, (W.D.Mich) resulting in reported decisions at 840 F.Supp.1143, 1994 WL 396089 (1994) and 864 F.Supp.34 (W.D.Mich.1994)

Ameriwood Industries Intern. Corp. v. Arthur Andersen & Co., Civil Action No. 1:95-CV-67 (W.D.Mich.1997)

Dickerson v. Raphael, Civil Action No. NG-W-92-0007117-NZ, (Washtenaw County, Michigan) on appeal 222 Mich.App.185 (1997), rev'd ___Mich___(199__)

In re Rospatch Securities Litigation and related cases, Civil Action Nos. 90-CV-805, 90-CV-806, 90-CV-807, and 91-CV-085 (W.D.Mich.)resulting in reported decisions at 760 F.Supp.1239 (W.D.Mich.1991), 802 F.Supp.110 (W.D.Mich.1992)

Ameriwood Industries Intern. Corp. v. American Cas. Co. of Reading, Pennsylvania, Civil Action No. 92-CV-658, (W.D.Mich.) resulting in reported decisions at 840 F.Supp.1143, 1994 WL 396089 (1994) and 864 F.Supp.34 (W.D.Mich.1994)

Ameriwood Industries Intern. Corp. v. Arthur Andersen & Co., Civil Action No. 1:95-CV-67 (W.D.Mich.1997)

Shavronoch v Clark Oil & Refining Co., 1982-3 Tr. Cases Section 65,093 (E.D. Mich. 1982), (aff'd), (remanded), 726 F.2d 291 (6th Cir. 1984) (antitrust; price discrimination)

World of Sleep, Inc. v La-Z-Boy Chair Company, 1982-2 Tr. Cases Section 64,854 (D. Colo. 1982), (aff'd in part), (rev'd in part and remanded), 756 F.2d 1467 (10th Cir. 1985), cert. denied, 474 U.S. 823, (1985) (antitrust; retail price maintenance)

University of Michigan Board of Regents v State of Michigan, 47 Mich. App. 23 (1973), (aff'd), 395 Mich. 52, 235 N.W. 2d 1 (1975) (constitutional autonomy of University)

United States v Institute of Computer Technology, 403 F. Supp. 922 (E.D. Mich. 1975) (False Claims Act)

United States v Graham Storage Co., 564 F. Supp. 1239 (E.D. Mich. 1983) (rev'd) 740 F.2d 414 (6th Cir. 1984) criminal; R.E.S.P.A.)

City of Detroit v D.P.O.A., 385 Mich. 519; 190 N.W. 2d 97; (1971), (app dismd), 405 U.S. 950; 31 L Ed 2d 227; (1972) (constitutionality of residence requirement)

Smith v Northern Michigan Hospitals and Burns Clinic Medical Center, P.C., 518 F. Supp. 644 (W.D. Mich. 1981) (aff'd in part), (rev'd in part), 703 F.2d 942 (6th Cir. 1983), (later appeal), Smith v Burns Clinic Medical Center, P.C., 779 F2d 1173 (6th Cir. 1985) (antitrust; attempt to monopolize)

In re Rospatch Securities Litigation, 760 F. supp. 1239, Fed. Sec. L. Rep. Section 96,048 (W.D. Mich. March 14, 1991); Fed. Sec. L. Rep. Section 96,160 (W.D. Mich. July 22, 1991) (securities; fraud on market)

Lynch Corporation v Omaha National Bank, 82 F.R.D. 478 (D.S.D. 1979)(aff'd in part and rev'd in part), 666 F.2d 1208 (8th Cir. 1981) (corporate acquisition; breach of warranty)

Metrobanc v Federal Home Loan Bank Board, 666 F. Supp. 981 (E.D. Mich. 1987) (savings bank conversion)

Michigan State Podiatry Association v Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan, 671 F. Supp. 1139, (later) (op), 681 F. Supp. 1239, (prior) (op)., 1982-2 Tr. Cases Section 64,801 (E.D. Mich. 1982) (antitrust; group boycott)

Michigan Farm Bureau v The Bureau of Workmen's Compensation, 408 Mich. 141, 289 N.W. 2d 699 (1980) (administrative procedures act)

Overseas Motors v Import Motors Limited, 375 F. supp. 499 (E.D. Mich. 1974), (aff'd), 519 F.2d 119 (6th Cir.) (cert. denied), 423 U.S. 987 (1975), (subs. appeal), 595 F.2d 1224 (6th Cir. 1979) antitrust; conspiracy to suppress technology)

Burns Clinic Medical Center, P.C. v Vorenkamp, 165 Mich. App. 224-481 N.W.2d 393 (1987) (covenant not to compete)

Swenson-Davis v Martel, 135 Mich. App. 632, 354 N.W. 2d 288 (1984) (media; defamation)

Clariol, Inc., v Boston Discount Center, 608 F.2d 1114 (6th Cir. 1979) (antitrust; resale price maintenance)

Copperstone v Official Sports Center, Inc., 1977-2 Tr. Cases Section 61,623 (E.D. Mich. 1977) (antitrust; exclusive dealing)

Huron Valley Pub. Co. v Booth Newspapers, Inc., 336 F. Supp. 659 (E.D. Mich. 1972) (antitrust; relevant markets)

Fry v Ionia Sentinel Standard, 101 Mich. App. 725; 300 N.W. 2d 687 (1980) (media; invasion of privacy)

Action Publications, Inc., v Panax Corp., 1986-1 Tr. Cases Section 67,028 (W.D., Mich. 1986), (prior dec.), 1986-1 Tr. Cases Section 67,029, appeal dismissed (1989) (antitrust; attempt to monopolize)

American Custom Homes, Inc. v Detroit Lumberman's Assn., 91 F.R.D. 548, 1981-2 TR. Cases Section 64, 361 (E.D. Mich 1981) (antitrust; class certification)

D. E. Rogers Associates, Inc. v Gardner Denver Company, 718 F.2d 1431 (6th Cir. 1977) (antitrust; exclusive dealing)

Dougherty v Capitol Cities Communications, Inc., 631 F.Supp. 1566, 12 Med. L. Rptr. 1952 (E.D. Mich. 1986) (defamation; summary judgment)

Edelman v Fruehauf Corporation, 643 F. Supp. 1535, CCH F. Sec. L. Rptr. Section 92,863 (E.D. Mich 1986), (aff'd), 798 F.2d 882 (6th Cir. 1986) (securities; level, well-lit playing field)

Equitable Life v Michigan Citizens Lobby, 423 Mich. 188 (1985) (constitutional rights on private property)

Friendship Materials, Inc. v Michigan Brick, Inc., 679 F2d 100 (6th Cir. 1982) (antitrust; preliminary injunction)

Amersham Intl. Plc. v Corning Glass Works, 618. F. Supp. 597, 226 U.S.P.Q. 738 (E.D. Mich. 1984) (patent infringement; stay)

Yates v Keane, 184 Mich. App. 80,457 N.W. 2d 693, app. (denied), 437 Mich. 981, 470 N.W. 2d 372; 1991 Mich. LEXIS 936 (April 30, 1991) (breach of personal services contract)

Professional Activities

• American Bar Association, Antitrust Law Section, 1970-present; Civil Practice Procedure Committee, 1970-present; Long Range Planning Committee, 2008
• State Bar of Michigan, Council of Antitrust Law School, Chairman, 1986-87; Vice-chairman, 1985-86; Treasurer, 1984-85; Committee to Revise Michigan Antitrust Act, Chairman, 1982-present
• ABA Section of Antitrust Law, appointment to leadership, 2008

Honors + Awards

• Best Lawyers in America, Antitrust Law 2005/2006-2009, Sports Law 2007-2009
• Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, Recognized Nationally - Sports Law, 2005/2006-2008; Commercial Litigation, 2006-2008
• Who's Who Legal Directory, International Commercial Litigation, 2006-2007
• Michigan Super Lawyers, Litigation Section, 2006-2008

Civic, Cultural + Social Activities

• Osborne Association
• Correctional Association
• Lake Huron Yacht Club
• Crescent Sail Yacht Club
• Self-help Addiction Rehabilitation, Cofounder and Board Member, 1970-1990
• Food Gatherers, 1989-1992
• Elizabeth Harris Foundation, Board Member, 1991-1992
• Correctional Association of New York, Board Member
• Osborne Association, Board Member

Publications

"Antitrust and League Sports: What Happens When Someone Calls a Foul on the Referee?", The ABA Trade Association Committee Newsletter, Summer 2007 (with R. Wierenga and D. Grand)

"Tying Arrangements after Illinois Tool: The End of the Per-Se Era?" Intellectual Property Litigation, ABA Section of Litigation - Intellectual Property Committee, Vol. 18, No. 1 (2006) (with A. Kaur)

"The National Cooperative Research Act of 1984 as a Shield from Antitrust Laws," 5 "Journal of Law and Commerce" 347, 1984 (with D. L. Foster and E. C. Dell.)

Speeches

Presenter, "2008 Developments in Sports Antitrust Cases," Entertainment & Sports Law Conference and Intellectual Property Law Institute, Los Cabos, Mexico, November 12-16, 2008

Presenter, "When Must Competitors Compete? Antitrust, Sports and the 'Trade or Commerce' Requirement," ABA Antitrust Section Brown Bag Teleconference, October 24, 2007

Presenter, "Amateurism and Student-Athlete Representation Under NCAA Regulations," Entertainment & Sports Law Conference and Intellectual Property Law Institute, San Juan, Puerto Ric, November 7-11, 2007

Presenter, "Economic Loss Doctrine," Wayne State University Law School, November 2006

Presenter, "Relevant Markets in Intercollegiate Sports," 2005 Antitrust and Trade Regulation Seminar in Santa Fe, N.M., July 7-9, 2005

Panel Moderator, "Symposium on Copyright, Piracy, and the Future of Independent Filmmaking," 2004 Los Angeles Film Festival, June 17-26, 2004

Participant, National Economic Research Associates (NERA), Aspen, Colorado and Santa Fe, N.M., Summers 1982-2006

"Covenants Not To Compete in Michigan," July 1986

"Joint Ventures-Research and Development and Joint Bids," Eighteenth Annual Antitrust Institute, Antitrust Law Section of the Ohio State Bar Association, 1984

"Practical Problems in Product Distribution," May 1983