Dist. Ct. did not err in entering judgment on pleadings in favor of defendant on breach of contract and fraud claims, where plaintiff alleged that defendant made false representations concerning potency of product used to make medical animal feed pursuant to contract calling for defendant to supply plaintiff with said feed. Prior to filing instant lawsuit, parties entered into termination agreement with respect to instant supply contract that contained clause that stated that plaintiff had released defendant “from any and all claims, whether known or unknown.” As such, Dist. Ct. could properly find that instant release included claims for breach of contract and/or fraud, and that plaintiff was precluded from proceeding on instant complaint due to unambiguous language in release. Fact that potential claims for breach of contract or fraud were not specifically mentioned in release or that alleged fraud was unknown at time of termination agreement did not require different result, especially where plaintiff was sophisticated business.
Federal 7th Circuit Court
Civil Court
Release