Attorney Frank Azar, known under his registered trademark, “The Strong Arm,” has settled a lawsuit against an Alabama-based firm that was paying Google to direct web search traffic to their website. The suit alleged The Mike Slocumb Law Firm was creating misleading ads that made people believe they were reaching Azar’s firm when they were not.
“It’s a scam,” said Azar who settled with the Slocumb firm for $1.55 million.
The process happens when people choose search terms like “Azar” or “The Strong Arm,” which Azar carries as a registered trademark. But people and companies can buy from Google directions to their sites under terms and names belonging to other people.
“Even though your name is in first position, somebody may come in second or third position,” said Azar.
It is not illegal but it is an agitation to Azar.
“I complained to the Colorado attorney general. I complained to the U.S. Attorney,” shrugged Azar. “If it weren’t for the way Google has this setup, these people wouldn’t be able to do it and prey on the public,” he said. “They’ve got protection under the law to be able to pretty much get away with anything they want.”