FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Federal Judge Dismisses EBPHI (NHIE) Lawsuit Against InterNACHI® and Founder Nick Gromicko

UPDATE MARCH 19, 2021....  EBPHI LOSES AGAIN,

BOULDER, Colo. (April 11, 2018) – Today, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit that the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (EBPHI) had filed against InterNACHI® and its founder, Nick Gromicko.  

EBPHI, which runs the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE), filed the suit last September, claiming interference with contract, defamation, and invasion of privacy.  InterNACHI® and Gromicko moved to dismiss the suit, arguing that the federal court in Illinois lacked personal jurisdiction over them.

In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Ronald A. Guzman wrote that the EBPHI’s jurisdictional allegations fell “far short” of what would be required to subject InterNACHI® and Mr. Gromicko to jurisdiction in Illinois.  Judge Guzman went on to write, “Plaintiff does not explain, and the Court does not perceive, how this allegedly tortious activity [by InterNACHI® and Gromicko] is connected with the defendants’ contacts in Illinois.”  Judge Guzman noted that the U.S. Supreme Court had “explicitly rejected” EBPHI’s jurisdictional argument.

InterNACHI® General Counsel Mark Cohen said that InterNACHI® and Mr. Gromicko will next consider whether to seek attorney’s fees because EBPHI filed the action in a federal district that clearly could not assert personal jurisdiction over them.  

InterNACHI® wishes to thank its local counsel in Illinois, Mathew Furton of Locke Lord LLP.

CLICK HERE to read the Judge's order dismissing EBPHI's lawsuit (PDF)

###

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors – InterNACHI® – is the world’s largest home inspector association and education provider, offering inspector-related Continuing Education, live training, and online and video courses that have earned more than 1,400 accreditations.  InterNACHI® Certified Professional Inspectors® follow a comprehensive Standards of Practice and a strict Code of Ethics to ensure that their clients receive the best and most professional service possible.