Christine Payne Searls

"The tradition of the Bell brand and the legacy of service are very important to us, and we consider them a valuable asset," says Christine Searls, a senior attorney at Qwest.

She and other lawyers from the regional phone companies hold a monthly hour-long conference call to plot strategy, brief each other on cases and share information about possible new infringers of the trademark.

In January 2003, Michele received a letter from Christine Searls, Senior Attorney with Qwest Communications International, Inc., which claimed Michele had no legitimate right to use the words "Ma Bell", and demanded that she hand the domain name over to them.As a compensation for the thousands of dollars she would have to outlay to purchase a new domain name, have a new professional web site constructed, change all her nationwide advertising, business cards and stationary, not to mention the business she would lose as a result, this billion dollar corporation offered Michele a sum in the region of $30.

Michele refused their ridiculous offer, and responded with a letter [1] explaining to them that she was not "cyber-squatting" as they had claimed because she was using the domain for her legitimate business, she was not in competition with them or confusing people into thinking she was a telecommunications company, but told them that if the domain name was so important to them, they may want to consider making her an offer that was less insulting.

Rather than simply compensate Ma-Bell Michele for her forseeable expenses, Quest responded by suing Michele in federal court.

Christine Payne Searls

Qwest

1801 California Street #900

Denver, CO 80202

303-383-6609

Christine.searls@qwest.com