Save My Business From A Corrupt And Frivolous Lawsuit.
I worked hard for 10 years to become a successfully self-employed artist with a growing business. I have both training and credentials, and often employ people to work in my studio. Last year I discovered that someone started a very part-time hobby and gave it my Trademarked Name. The trouble was that suddenly there were multiple blogs, online stores, duplicate websites, and social networking sites all stating that they were ME! Many of the shops created by this person were never used, they were left empty, yet came up in the search results as being me. These online websites cluttered up the search results and since this person initially copied my work caused a lot of confusion. I asked her to stop using my name. Within a week I found myself sued in Federal Court, with crazy allegations such as having a conspiracy to destroy her business, (she does not have a business) and demanding my entire business and all I have ever made. About 20 attorneys that I consulted in the beginning stated that the lawsuit was meant to overwhelm my business with huge fees and unending paperwork. And indeed it has. I have not created any art in months. I cannot accept commissions because of the paperwork. Motion after motion is filed to keep me from life and most importantly, to cost my business a lot of money. I took out loans to get through the initial stage of this atrocity. Unless I find funding to continue to fight for my rights I will lose my business to someone without art training, who has a part time hobby, and appears to simply want to be me. The search engines have merged our online accounts because this person duplicates my name and words online. After spending a decade to build a name reputation I fear to rebuild with a different name will result in lost patrons and followers. All attorneys that I consulted (I did hire one) have said that my case will win. I just have to be able to pay for the process.
My case is stalled because I owe my attorney over $10,000. I am in a pencil down status. I need to bring my account current and give him a retainer to handle the case. I will lose the case and possibly my business within the month if I do not find funding. I cannot in good conscience take out more loans.
Please help me save my business. Thank You.
