IQAir Contends Sharper Image Attempting to Quell Free Speech Regarding Scientific Evidence on Ineffectiveness of 'Ionic Breeze'; Company Files Motion to Strike Sharper Image Lawsuit Under California Anti-SLAPP Statute

PR Newswire, Feb 12, 2004

SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- IQAir North America announced that it has filed a motion to strike Sharper Image Corporation's libel and unfair competition lawsuit. IQAir filed its motion in the Los Angeles Superior Court under California's Anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) statute which allows a defendant served with a complaint arising out of constitutionally protected free speech to move for dismissal of the lawsuit at the outset. The motion describes the lawsuit as "the prototypical SLAPP action -- a merit-less lawsuit brought by a large publicly held corporation with one goal in mind: silence through intimidation."

During the October 2003 California wildfires, IQAir issued expert tips on how Southern California residents could help protect themselves from the heavy smoke. Among the many tips, IQAir advised residents to create a safe room with a HEPA air cleaner where particularly sensitive members of a family (e.g. those with emphysema, allergies, or asthma) could retreat. IQAir also advised the public not to use two air cleaners that Consumer Reports had singled out to be "ineffective." One of the air cleaners considered "ineffective" by Consumer Reports in its October 2003 issue was Sharper Image's "Ionic Breeze."

Frank Hammes, President of IQAir says, "For Sharper Image to sue us for quoting scientific evidence of the ineffectiveness of the Ionic Breeze during a health crisis that affected our community is just wrong. It is my opinion that Sharper Image will sue anyone and everyone who expresses criticism for their number one selling product. They've sued Consumer Reports. Now they are suing us."

"We put out our health tips to help our community with honest information," continues Hammes. "People suffering from dangerous pollution levels have a right to know the relevant scientific information that can affect their health."

IQAir North America, Inc. is a member of the Swiss-based IQAir Group that develops, manufactures and markets innovative air quality products for indoor environments. IQAir products are used worldwide by hospitals and other critical environments. IQAir also manufactures home air cleaning units for allergy and asthma sufferers and individuals with chemical sensitivities.

IQAir is a registered trademark of the IQAir Group.

For further information please contact: Kirk Sullivan, APR of IQAir North America, Inc., +1-562-903-7600, ext. 110, cell, +1-562-318-4776, ksullivan@iqair.com

CONTACT: Kirk Sullivan, APR of IQAir North America, Inc., +1-562-903-7600, ext. 110, cell, +1-562-318-4776, ksullivan@iqair.com