Google is being threatened by Leo Stoller, an Illinois resident, who has been demanding settlement payments from the search giant in a trademark dispute for using the word "Google." Mr. Stoller recently sent a letter with letterhead reading, "Google Brand Products and Services ... Since 1981." The letter allegedly warned that beginning a legal proceeding on the issue would cost Google at least $150,000 and that Stoller would drop the claim if paid at least $100,000.

It is very unlikely Google will pay up, and even less likely that Stoller will be able to make a legal claim. It appears that Stoller has sent over 1,800 different companies similar demand letters over the past two years. Google has responded with a suit charging fraud, false advertising, unfair competition and racketeering, citing the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.