Google Lawsuit: Google Escapes Vanity Search Result Lawsuit

Google Lawsuit: Some people just don’t like what they see when they “Google” their name. This was definitely the case with a Wisconsin woman, Beverly Stayart, who decided it was a good idea to bring a lawsuit against Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) for this reason.

Google is one of the hedge fund industry’s most popular stock picks, and it’s always important to pay attention to the smart money (see just why here).

In short, her lawsuit was based around the fact that searches for her name could eventually lead people to ads for drugs to treat sexual dysfunction.

According to Reuters, “the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago said on Wednesday Beverly Stayart did not show that Google violated Wisconsin privacy laws by misusing her name to generate advertising revenue.”

This story is so silly that many may believe it to be a fake. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Stayart actually brought this suit against Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) hoping to recover “damages.”

The Reuters article goes on to add the following:

“Stayart claimed that a search for “bev stayart” on the world’s largest search engine generates a recommended search for “bev stayart levitra,” which can direct users to websites that offer treatments for male erectile dysfunction.”

“The Elkhorn, Wisconsin resident said this was at odds with her “positive and wholesome image” linked to her advocacy for animal rights, her research in genealogy, her published poems and her MBA degree from the University of Chicago.”

Stayart may think she has a case, but a panel of three judges decided against her saying “Google’s alleged improper use of Stayart’s name fell within the “public interest” and “incidental use” exceptions to Wisconsin’s misappropriation laws, either of which would doom the lawsuit.”

While it appears that this case is closed, for now, at least, it did take the court roughly one year to make a decision after hearing arguments from both sides.

What are your thoughts on this lawsuit brought against Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)? Share your opinion in the comment section below.

Check back here for more updates on Google Lawsuit.

DISCLOSURE: I have no positions in any stock mentioned.

For more news stories, visit the following pages:

Are America’s Tech Companies Good Investments?

A China-Google Cold War Intensifying?

Samsung’s KNOX to Improve Android Security?