International Galleries Inc. Sues La Raza Newspaper for Defamation and Dissemination of False Information

International Galleries Inc. Sues La Raza Newspaper for Defamation and Dissemination of False Information

ADDISON, Texas, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- IGI has with some reluctance filed a lawsuit against the newspaper La Raza because of an article appearing in the newspaper that contains serious erroneous information about IGI. Before filing, in an effort to see whether there was any truth in the charges made by La Raza, IGI reviewed the extensive legal opinions it has obtained, the records regarding any investigations that may be under way, and any other company material that may have a bearing on what was printed by La Raza, and found nothing. IGI also searched its databases, customer service logs and recordings, and was unable to find any request for information from any media in Chicago. Paul J. Myer, CEO and founder of IGI-Art, states, "Contrary to what was reported in La Raza, the statements made in the article could not be substantiated with any factual information. The following information is factual and accurate. The company has administered a generous refund policy for consumers at my specific instruction since the inception of the company, and will continue to do so. The company invites any individual to call me directly at 469-766-2390 and take advantage of the policy if they so choose."

IGI and La Raza Newspaper attempted to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement regarding the misinformation in its article regarding the IGI opportunity, but failed to do so. Accordingly, a lawsuit has been filed by the law firm of Sachnoff & Weaver against La Raza Newspaper, Robert Armband, publisher, and Miguel Angel Arrieta, reporter, for defamation and dissemination of false information. Any questions regarding the lawsuit should be directed to the Legal Department at IGI.

IGI invites customers or participants with any questions to contact the company directly at 972-919-2701 for English and 972-919-2706 for Spanish or check the Frequently- Asked-Questions section of the website at: http://www.igi-art.com/corpsite/faqs.htm

Jesus Soriano, a Mexican-American, brought the IGI income opportunity to Chicago because he recognized that it could change the life of many in his community. "A friend of mine introduced me to IGI and when I saw how people's lives had changed, how the company treated them and the art, I knew that I had found a way to change my life and the life of a lot of people," said Soriano.

Being able to contribute to their community is very important to the IGI members. Earlier this month, IGI members heard about a fundraiser for a Mexican organization that helps abandoned and abused children in Guadalajara, Mexico. Not only did the members purchase charity tickets in support, they banded together and donated $50,000 of art, based on their original valuations, and many of these pieces had already increased in value. Araceli Perez, in a letter to IGI, thanks the corporation because thanks to this business she is now in a position to help others.

Many Latinos in Chicago, across the United States and Mexico, have seen their dreams of a better future realized through the IGI direct selling method of giclee reproductions of art. Latinos have been greatly successful in the six months that this business has been actively promoted in the Chicago area.

The Latinos who have built their own business with the IGI direct selling method are more than willing to provide testimony as to what IGI represents in their lives and the impact on the lives of the 5800 people that also work this opportunity successfully every day.

IGI has proven to be a great, positive story for the Hispanic community in Chicago and also across the country, one that has allowed Latinos from all walks of life to obtain the American Dream through hard work and sharing in something that is often out of reach and understanding -- art. Just ask the business owners and their happy partners at IGI.

BACKGROUNDER

Paul Myer's Dream for IGI from day one was to reward people and change lives: change the artist's life, the participant's life and make art accessible to people who would never think they could afford fine art. IGI helps artists be discovered by the global marketplace and, well after they have sold their original work, continue to receive royalties for the fruit of their labors.

Conceived by Myer as a vehicle where people would be rewarded with cash instead of miles or free merchandise, the concept has brought art closer to the masses and their lives have been changed extraordinarily. Launched in 2003, IGI, based in Addison, Texas, is deeply committed to their members and consumers as evidenced by the success of the company and its direct selling model. Myer is a member and receives an annual salary of $1.00 for his work as CEO of IGI.

There are many success stories that IGI can point to, but none are more poignant than that of one of the members in Chicago, a housewife who sold home cooked tamales on the side to help make ends meet. Without a formal education, not familiar with computers or with art, all Antonia Govea knew how to do, in her own words, "was make great tamales." After this member was invited to a presentation on the IGI direct selling income opportunity, she decided to try it, and after working hard following the program, she has averaged a little less than $10,000 per month in the six months she has been in the business. Results are not typical for those just starting out, as high earnings require work and dedication just like in any other income opportunity.

All compensation paid to participants is directly linked to the purchase of art by customers and other participants. IGI participants cannot earn bonuses simply for recruiting additional participants or for solely bringing another participant into IGI. The only way to make money is by buying and selling art.

Many Latinos in Chicago have seen their dreams of a better future realized through the IGI direct selling method of giclee reproductions of art and they have been greatly successful in the six months that this opportunity has been available in the area. The Latinos who have chosen to build their own business with the IGI direct selling method have many compelling stories of what IGI represents in their lives and the impact on the lives of the 5800 people that also work this opportunity successfully every day in the Chicago area.

"I was overburdened with credit card debt, they were coming to repossess my truck and even though I earned a good living driving a truck, I was not making it," said Juan Calixto, one of the hardest working members in Chicago. "Jesus Soriano told us that if we worked hard at this business and followed the program, it would work and he was so right. I worked hard to follow the program and I have been rewarded in ways that I never thought would be possible. Since I started with IGI, I have averaged about $32,000 per month and now I am able to live full time with my family instead of being on the road for weeks out of the year."

The IGI opportunity is unique as there is no minimum purchase required to become a member; a person may join for free. In fact, a participant can be compensated for art purchases by persons they refer even if the participant paid nothing for his or her membership, and chooses to not buy art themselves.

The participants are all business owners of their individual businesses and IGI is the company that provides the product and method used to sell and generate revenue. Members, participants and customers are empowered to share the opportunity during meetings via materials provided by the company; however, they are not employed by the company and are not representatives of the corporation.

IGI uses the giclee printing method on museum quality canvas for the reproduction of the fully licensed original artwork. Giclee is a state-of-the- art reproduction technique that is virtually indiscernible from an original work of art. Giclee reproductions in the art world refer to digital fine art prints made on any high quality inkjet printer.

The giclee canvas reproductions printed by IGI are sold as limited editions, one-time runs in one size and never executed again in any other size or medium. The runs are numbered and the artist's signature is digitally signed on the Certificate of Authenticity further increasing their value. The Certificates of Authenticity that accompany the reproductions accurately reflect the product authenticated as follows: "This is to certify that this authentic giclee print has been faithfully reproduced from original work. Only the highest quality materials and archival inks have been used to ensure lasting print quality. All information contained herein this certificate is true and correct."

The least expensive limited edition giclee print from IGI sells for $200.00. Therefore, when a customer opts to purchase the giclee prints, the minimum purchase is $200.00. IGI clearly states during presentations and on the website that the prints being bought, sold or exchanged are all licensed giclee reproductions on canvas and not original works of art.

IGI makes clear to all prospective customers and members that it sells only giclee reproductions of artwork. The beautiful, high quality reproductions on canvas are prominent and highly visible to all prospective customers and participants so they may examine their quality and see the giclee reproduction markings at every meeting promoting the income opportunity and at every Art Exchange where members and consumers may buy and sell the prints.

Some people do not understand what direct selling is and how the compensation program works, however all the information on the IGI income opportunity is readily available on the IGI website http://www.igi-art.com/ as is the corporate contact information where customer service reps are happy to answer any consumer questions http://www.igi-art.com/corpsite/support.htm .

IGI logs and records all incoming calls at the state-of-the-art Customer Service Building in Texas. All requests for refunds have been handled promptly. To date this year, there have only been 566 refunds for a company with thousands of members and customers nationwide. IGI has administered a generous refund policy and will continue to do so.

The guidelines and design of the IGI direct selling program have been thoroughly examined by multiple legal experts and the IGI method of direct selling fully complies with all state and federal laws in the United States. The opinion of legality of the IGI opportunity as provided by Direct Selling Legal Counsel Gerald P. Nehra is available on the website at http://www.igi-art.com/legal_compliance/us_lc.htm . The opinion of legality has been further reviewed and approved by direct selling law firms in the United States, the United Kingdom and Mexico and is reviewed and monitored quarterly by all parties mentioned.

In April 2004, Stan Leitner resigned as the President of IGI. Mr. Leitner is neither an officer, director nor shareholder of the Company. In addition, Mr. Leitner provides no consulting or other services to the Company. While IGI, through publicly available information, has become aware of an SEC action instituted against Mr. Leitner, neither the Company, nor any of its officers or directors, have been named in such action. Further, neither the Company nor its outside counsel have been advised by the SEC of any investigation of IGI or any of its officers or directors. As such, IGI does not believe any investigation is occurring.

Source: International Galleries Inc.

CONTACT: Maria Arza of Comadres Inc., +1-815-347-4772, or Sarah Wise of
IGI, +1-469-360-4888

Web site: http://www.igi-art.com/
http://www.igi-art.com/corpsite/faqs.htm
http://www.igi-art.com/legal_compliance/us_lc.htm
http://www.igi-art.com/corpsite/support.htm

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