Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

Internet Law & StrategyKickerFeaturesTopicsTechnology Media and TelecomSectionsNewsLJN Newsletters

Search Engine Optimization Raises Bar for Law Firm Web Sites

By Conrad Saam

On Aug. 13, a techie blogger named Oilman posted an article entitled, “Shame Shame Shame Findlaw,” accusing the legal behemoth of violating Google's guidelines. Within hours, FindLaw was pilloried by the Search Engine Optimization (“SEO”) blogosphere. Terms like “ethical violations,” “multimillion dollar business models,” “potential lawsuits” and “scamming” were bandied about. Google dropped FindLaw's Page Rank from a 7 to a 5. Popular legal blogger Kevin O'Keefe outlined a course of action for FindLaw, which called for public disclosure, refunds and apologies.

The controversy unveiled FindLaw's SEM Advantage program ' which was essentially an agreement to sell a link from FindLaw.com to a law firm's Web site for up to $2,500 a month for the sole purpose of improving that site's search results. This is in violation of Google's Webmaster Guidelines, which state: “Buying or selling links that pass Page Rank is in violation of Google's Webmaster guidelines and can negatively impact a site's ranking in search results.”

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
Beach Boys Songs Written Decades Ago Triggered Current Quarrel With Lawyers Image

There's current litigation in the ongoing Beach Boys litigation saga. A lawsuit filed in 2019 against Nevada residents Mike Love and his wife Jacquelyne in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada that alleges inaccurate payment by the Loves under the retainer agreement and seeks $84.5 million in damages.

The Article 8 Opt In Image

The Article 8 opt-in election adds an additional layer of complexity to the already labyrinthine rules governing perfection of security interests under the UCC. A lender that is unaware of the nuances created by the opt in (may find its security interest vulnerable to being primed by another party that has taken steps to perfect in a superior manner under the circumstances.

Major Differences In UK, U.S. Copyright Laws Image

This article highlights how copyright law in the United Kingdom differs from U.S. copyright law, and points out differences that may be crucial to entertainment and media businesses familiar with U.S law that are interested in operating in the United Kingdom or under UK law. The article also briefly addresses contrasts in UK and U.S. trademark law.

Strategy vs. Tactics: Two Sides of a Difficult Coin Image

With each successive large-scale cyber attack, it is slowly becoming clear that ransomware attacks are targeting the critical infrastructure of the most powerful country on the planet. Understanding the strategy, and tactics of our opponents, as well as the strategy and the tactics we implement as a response are vital to victory.

Transfer Tax Implications on Real Property Leases Image

The real property transfer tax does not apply to all leases, and understanding the tax rules of the applicable jurisdiction can allow parties to plan ahead to avoid unnecessary tax liability.