| 1. Civil remedies. Any franchisee or motor vehicle dealer who |
| suffers financial loss of money or property, real or personal, or |
| who has been otherwise adversely affected as a result of the use |
| or employment by a franchisor of an unfair method of competition |
| or an unfair or deceptive act or any practice declared unlawful |
| by this chapter may bring an action for damages and equitable |
| relief, including injunctive relief. When the franchisee or |
| dealer prevails, the franchisee or dealer may recover 3 times the |
| amount of the damages sustained and, in addition, the court shall |
| award attorney's fees to the franchisee or dealer, regardless of |
| the amount in controversy, and assess costs against the opposing |
| party. For the purpose of the award of attorney's fees and |
| costs, whenever the franchisee or dealer is seeking injunctive or |
| other relief, the franchisee or dealer may be considered to have |
| prevailed when a judgment or other final order providing |
| equitable relief is entered in its favor. A final judgment, order |
| or decree rendered against a person in any civil, criminal or |
| administrative proceeding under the United States antitrust laws, |
| under the Federal Trade Commission Act, under the Maine Revised |
| Statutes or under this chapter is regarded as prima facie |
| evidence against the person subject to the conditions set forth |
| in the United States antitrust laws, 15 United States Code, |
| Section 16. |
