Google Sues SEO Company for Robocalls, False Advertising, Trademark Infringement
Google sued Local Lighthouse for making false and misleading claims during telemarketing calls, among other claims, said a court document filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in San Francisco. The Internet giant had telegraphed the move in an advisory that…
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day to consumers about ways to avoid robocalls (see 1509160048). Google's lawsuit alleged the search engine optimization company's sales agents claim they're calling on behalf of Google, are affiliated with Google or have been contracted by Google to provide search engine optimization services. Local Lighthouse replied to a letter from Google in August 2014, denying Lighthouse used robocalls to market services or that it harassed consumers with unwanted phone calls, the filing said. Even though the letter said the company would take a look at its practices, Google still received complaints about the calls, the filing said. Google also alleges Local Lighthouse is engaging in false advertising and federal trademark infringement by claiming to be a Google subcontractor and using Google's logo in its own marketing. Local Lighthouse didn't comment.