Alton Square Mall claims marketing firm in default

The owner of Alton Square Mall says a company defaulted on $2,400 monthly payments owed for marketing and advertising rights.

Coyote Alton Mall filed a lawsuit Dec. 31 in Madison County Circuit Court against Strategic Sponsorships International.

Coyote claims it entered into a sponsorship agreement with Strategic on July 7, in which it entitled Strategic to market and advertise rights at the Alton Square Mall play area. Strategic is in the business of reselling, packaging and providing marketing to play areas, such as the one found at the mall in Alton, according to the complaint.

In exchange for allowing Strategic to advertise at the mall, Coyote charged it $144,000 to be paid in monthly installments of $2,400, the suit states.

However, Strategic only made one payment and no longer intends to honor the sponsorship agreement, the complaint says.

"As a result of this material breach, Coyote has incurred and will continue to incur damages in the amount of $141,600," the suit states.

In addition to the money it says Strategic owes it, Coyote seeks attorney's fees, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Scott D. Bjorseth and David A. Schott of Hoagland, Fitzgerald, Smith and Pranaitis will be representing it.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-1418.