By proving the accuracy of information distributed by the Client, EPAM has defended the interests of Cortem-Goreltex, a major Russian manufacturer of explosion-proof equipment, in a dispute regarding the protection of business honour, integrity, and reputation.

In November 2013, the Italian companies NUOVA ASP and FEAM appealed to the Commercial Court of St. Petersburg and Leningrad Region with a claim to recognize as misleading the information distributed by Cortem-Goreltex in their dealings with public authorities about violations found when certifying the plaintiffs’ products according to GOST R standards and the safety of the certified explosion-proof equipment not being confirmed. Cortem-Goreltex was accused of violating the law on the protection of competition by disseminating allegedly false information defaming the reputation of the plaintiffs.

Over the course of several meetings, associates from the Firm provided evidence in support of the accuracy of the information stated, after which they requested a legal enquiry. After this request was approved, NUOVA ASP and FEAM renounced the claims submitted in full.

On 18 September, 2014, the Commercial Court of St. Petersburg and Leningrad Region accepted the rejection of the claim and dismissed the case.

The Client was represented by Elena Legashova, Head of Defamation Practice at the St. Petersburg Law Office of EPAM, and Associate Alexey Karchiomov.