On July 8, 2001 Pearson Warshaw attorneys filed a class action complaint against PPG Industries, Inc., Akzo Nobel N.V., Akzo Nobel, Inc., Akzo Nobel Coatings, Inc., BASF Aktiengesellschaft, BASF Corporation, E.I. Dupont De Nemours and Co., Sherwin Williams Co., Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Corp. The case was consolidated with similar actions filed throughout California. The case is now pending in the Alameda County Superior Court, In re Automotive Refinishing Paint Cases, Judicial Council Coordination Proceeding No. 4199. The complaint alleges that defendants engaged in an illegal price fixing contract which caused the price of automobile paint to inflate.