Religious Group Sues Google Over a Blog Using Its Name

Christian evangelical group Jews for Jesus is suing Google Inc., saying a weblog hosted through the Internet search leader’s Blogspot service infringes its trademark.

The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in New York on Wednesday, seeks to force Google to give Jews for Jesus control of the site as well as unspecified monetary damages.

“We have a right to our own name and Google has allowed the use of our name on Blogspot without our permission,” said Susan Perlman, associate executive director of Jews for Jesus.

“Our reputation is at stake,” Perlman said.

Google’s Blogspot and Blogger services allow people to set up weblogs, online journals also known as blogs, for free.

A Google spokesman was not available to comment on the lawsuit.

The disputed blog, https://jewsforjesus.blogspot.com, was started in January 2005 by someone taking the name “Whistle Blower” and airing critical views of the San Francisco-based organization, which seeks to convert Jews to Christianity.

Comments on the blog indicate that Jews for Jesus attempted to persuade Whistle Blower to transfer the domain to the group but was rebuffed.

Perlman said the blog’s critical tone was not the reason for the suit.

“One of the wonderful things about the Internet is that there is freedom of expression, but there should be a protection ... so that organizations like ours can represent ourselves,” Perlman said.