Sixth Lawsuit Filed Over Google AdWords, Plus an Assault on Google’s Organic Search Results–Ascentive v. Google
By Eric Goldman Ascentive, LLC v. Google, Inc., 2:09-cv-02871-JS (E.D. Pa. complaint filed June 25, 2009) Guess who got sued again? Google now has 6 pending lawsuits challenging its AdWords service. The previous five are: * Rescuecom v. Google *…
Twitter, Email and Brand Engagement
By Eric Goldman Last week, in an interview with a reporter, I extolled the virtues of Twitter as a tool for brands to keep in touch with and engage their customers. The reporter responded by asking why brands would choose…
Google Sued Again for Trademark Infringement–Soaring Helmet v. Leatherup.com
By Eric Goldman Soaring Helmet Corp. v. Bill Me Inc., 2:2009cv00789 (W.D. Wash. complaint filed June 9, 2009). The Justia page. It’s clearly open season on trademark infringement lawsuits against Google. The latest is a lawsuit by Soaring Helmet, manufacturers…
May 2009 Quick Links Part 1
By Eric Goldman Just a reminder that I’m posting some quick links exclusively to my Twitter account. Trademarks * Texas International Property Associates v. Hoerbiger Holding AG, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 40409 (N.D. Tex. May 12, 2009). Domainer loses ACPA…
An Insider’s Look at Utah’s Failed HB 450
By Eric Goldman Perry Clegg is a Utah IP attorney and the 2009 chair of the Utah State Bar’s Cyberlaw Section. A few months ago, he wrote an article entitled “Insight on Utah Senate’s Sedation of HB 450,” which provides…
Another Lawsuit Over Google AdWords–Stratton Faxon v. Google
By Eric Goldman Stratton Faxon v. Google, Inc. (New Haven Superior Ct. complaint filed May 27, 2009) Today’s lawsuit combines two trends: Trend #1: Lawyers-as-plaintiffs suing Google for their own account. I don’t have a complete inventory of these lawsuits,…
Contributory Cybersquatting and the Impending Demise of Domain Name Proxy Services?–Solid Host v. NameCheap
By Eric Goldman Solid Host, NL v. NameCheap, Inc., 2:08-cv-05414-MMM-E (C.D. Cal. May 19, 2009) Facts This case involves an alleged domain name theft. Solid Host is a web host and initial owner of the domain name solidhost.com, which it…
EFF’s Guide to Griping, Plus Some Recommendations of My Own
By Eric Goldman The EFF has posted “Avoiding Gripes About Your Gripe (or Parody) Site,” which includes 6 prophylactic recommendations to prospective gripers: 1) Be noncommercial — no ads, no links to commercial sites, no affiliate links, no Café Press…
Google Liberalizes US Trademark Policy: “What, Me Worry?” Part 2
By Eric Goldman In my Deregulating Relevancy article from a few years ago, I explained how trademark law was having pernicious consequences for online conversations. Among other unwanted effects, trademark law hinders online discussions about trademarks even when both conversationalists…
Firepond “Copycat” Lawsuit Filed Against Google–John Beck Amazing Profits v. Google
By Eric Goldman John Beck Amazing Profits, LLC v. Google Inc. 2:2009cv00151 (E.D. Tex. complaint filed May 14, 2009). The Justia page. Earlier this week, a group of lawyers filed a class action lawsuit against Google and its distribution partners…