from: Elizabeth McDonald
Callassa Media Company Ltd.
callassa.com

Complaint regarding bullying business practices of a US company operating in the UK (and internationally)

We are a British company. My complaint is regarding a certain software company based in the USA (McAfee Inc) and who is also present in the UK.

This company has taken it upon itself to make available across the internet a certain document, 'site advisor'. This document, in which we certainly gave NO permission for our inclusion, requests that the public enter
opinions/comments regarding our company and others. On the document appears our company name, together with certain words: phishing, fraud, etc. These words,
in the presence of any name, are a negative issue. Our name, Callassa, is registered as a trademark in the UK.

This kind of flagrant breach of business protocol, not to mention trademark infringement has the potential to completely ruin our efforts and exemplary name. Their argument is that they, McAfee Inc, want to 'police the internet'. This is not the responsibility of a commercial organisation. They appear to assume they can go and do just as they like, represent others as THEY see fit! Regardless of business rights, human rights, or whatever. They certainly qualify as comtaminating irritants, which ironically is what they, McAfee Inc. purport to be in business to prevent.

If I went to any company and stood outside, brandishing a trademark name and inviting commentaries from whomever, I would be arrested. In certain countries, worse. (My intentions and actions rightly seen as being malevolent). Whatever statements of intent, the real intention IS TO USE OUR NAME (AND OTHERS) TO ADVERTISE THEMSELVES IN OUR COUNTRY (AND THE WORLD), AND TO TARNISH US, GAINING RECOGNITION FOR SO DOING IN THE PROCESS. This is absolutely diabolical rip-off. It has to be an example of an illegal business practice. It contravenes every single standard that the internet business platform/international platform is built upon. Our own intentions are exemplary. Our public face is
exemplary. If we require evaluation we will choose who and pay to have just that. We are in the process of doing so at this moment but certainly not with this free, no choice rip-off, scamming, very, very second rate 'scheme' with its own PIGGY-BACKING commercial and political agendas!

We neither endorse McAfee Inc. products, never have, nor intend to. We have to pay to have a statement of non-association with McAfee Inc. appear on our website callassa.com.

When many web addresses, are searched for, eg. on Google, the McAfee 'site advisor' appears listed
with your own. I don't see why we and you should be pushed around in this unscrupulous and bullying manner. It is not what we need to endure? ie, it be a picture of the future world of jumping through someone else's hoops? NO, SO COMPLAIN, JUST AS WE HAVE TO THE FTC: See below transcript of response. The more compolaints that are registered with the FTC and here, the better! :

Re: FTC Ref. No. 9691797

Dear Gay McDonald:
Thank you for recent correspondence. The Federal Trade Commission acts in the public interest to stop business practices that violate the laws it enforces. Letters from consumers and businesses are very important to the work of the Commission. They are often the first indication of a problem in the marketplace and may provide the initial evidence to begin an investigation. The Commission does not resolve individual complaints. The Commission can, however, act when it sees a pattern of possible violations developing.

The information you have provided will be recorded in our complaint retention system. This computerized system enables us to identify questionable business practices that are generating numerous complaints and may be in violation of the law.

Thank you for providing information that may be used to develop or support Commission enforcement initiatives.
Sincerely yours,
Consumer Response Center



David
Barton upon Humber
United Kingdom