Law Offices of Paul Levin - Quarter 1 2019

Is Yelp Extorting Businesses?

SOME OWNERS SAY SO

When you think of extortion, odds are that a billion-dollar company located in Silicon Valley doesn’t come to mind, yet that’s exactly what many small businesses across the country have been claiming Yelp is doing. Companies just like ours thrive on reviews as a way for people to hear word-of-mouth information about the trustworthiness of a local company. But what if that information could be manipulated by the medium through which it’s presented? Who’s on Top? Google, Avvo, and other online platforms that host reviews mostly filter comments by date, broadcasting the most recent observations about local businesses. On all accounts, it appears to be the fairest way to go about the process, but Yelp does not follow this practice. They filter their reviews by an algorithm that assesses their reliability. On the surface, it sounds like a great idea, but in practice, many owners are crying foul play. You Shall Not Pass Business owners across the country have gone on record stating that Yelp will showcase negative reviews instead of positive ones, but why? Well, the argument is that to display praise, Yelp allegedly requires payment for their advertising services. Once payment is confirmed, the reviews are allegedly reprioritized.

What Does the Law Say? The accusations started in 2014 with the class action suit Levitt v. Yelp, which resulted in an investigation by the FTC. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals found no extortion or wrongdoing by Yelp and dismissed the case, and the FTC closed the investigation without taking action. Whether Yelp is extorting small businesses or not, we’re thankful for your reviews. Our firm prides itself on serving our community, and we look forward to continuing that for years to come.

Jack?

and Berry French Toast PEANUT BUTTER

Where’s

Ingredients

Jack and Kelly are a certified therapy dog and handler team with Healers With Halos Therapy Dogs. Jack is a 6-year-old rescue collie adopted from Collie Rescue of the Carolinas. He is certified by the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program and attained his CGC title from the American Kennel Club. Jack works many venues, bringing comfort and happiness to the young and old.

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract • 2 cups cornflakes • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 2 cups mixed berries • Powdered sugar, to sprinkle • Maple syrup, for serving

• 8 slices brioche, 1/2-inch thick • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter • 2 large eggs • 1/8 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. On a large baking sheet lined with wax paper, place 4 slices of brioche and spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on each. Cover with remaining slices, creating sandwiches. 2. In a pie plate, beat eggs with cream and vanilla. In another, coarsely crush the cornflakes. 3. Lightly soak sandwiches in the egg mixture, then dredge in cornflakes, pressing to adhere. Return to baking sheet. 4. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Once melted and up to temperature, add sandwiches, cooking on one side until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes. 5. Return sandwiches to baking sheet, add remaining butter, and repeat on other side. 6. Top sandwiches with berries, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and serve with maple syrup.

JACK AND KELLY AT A CERT DRILL

Attorneys Paul Levin & Kelly Kasheta

860-560-7226 • 3

www.connecticutinjuryhelp.com

Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog