Traverse Internet Law deals with sucks sites and gripe sites all the time for clients. I even spent a chapter on the issue in the Google Bomb book.
So, here is the situation. A disgruntled lawyer who got fired five years ago from Levinson Axelrod launches a sucks site about the firm and it becomes the coveted and valuable first result in Google when the law firm is searched. It probably comes as no surprise that the lawyer, Edward Heyburn, handles personal injury in New Jersey and reportedly directly competes against his old law firm for clients.
So, if Sears launched a sucks site against Walmart and it became the first result when Walmart is searched on Google, isn't the trademark infringement clear?
Mr. Heyburn claims he is motivated by truth and justice. Right. It is obvious this is trademark infringement. Anyone who understands online marketing knows the commercial nature of the use of the former law firm name. Expect the site to disappear and Mr. Heyburn to be offering up a heartfelt apology very soon. Unless he is as off-kilter as his little commercial enterprise suggests. And if he keeps fighting, prospective clients have to wonder what gives with this character.
I hate it when lawyers pull this crap. Bring on the lawyer jokes. His name is Heyburn. Edward Heyburn. THAT is free speech, Edward Heyburn.
(And thankfully I don't know anyone involved in this dust up in Jersey.)
