Twenty-five City of Madison bars have not yet responded to a federal antitrust lawsuit filed by two University of Wisconsin students, but they still have several weeks to formally reply.
Marsh Shapiro, owner of the Nitty Gritty and a Dane County Tavern League member, said the federal lawsuit differs from a previous state lawsuit, which is currently in the appeal process, by including more defendants, including UW Chancellor John Wiley. It extends the length of the antitrust violation back to 1990, rather than 2002 like the original. Shapiro said the lawsuit is taxing, both financially and emotionally.
ââ?¬Å?All theyââ?¬â?¢ve tried to do by filing a federal lawsuit is try to muddy the water,ââ?¬Â Shapiro said. ââ?¬Å?This is just another classic example of the legal system running amok. Theyââ?¬â?¢re bloodsuckers. [The plaintiffsââ?¬â?¢ law firmââ?¬â?¢s] only motive is money.ââ?¬Â