Verizon Wireless Settles Velveteen Rabbit Lawsuit

Published on: 25th March 2009

After filing a lawsuit last month, Verizon Wireless says that it has settled its dispute with a firm which spammed its customers with adverts for a forthcoming movie, The Velveteen Rabbit. In addition to a permanent injunction preventing any future calls, the Utah-based telemarketer has agreed to a US$25,000 cash settlement, which Verizon Wireless is donating to the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH).

"Our customers' privacy is of utmost importance to Verizon Wireless, and we work every day to ensure it is protected. Telemarketers cannot be allowed to use unlawful methods to reach our customers and to invade their privacy," said Steven E. Zipperstein, vice president and general counsel of Verizon Wireless. "We're pleased with the swift resolution of this lawsuit, and glad to provide the NDVH with needed funds to continue their work helping domestic violence victims."

"At a time when calls to the NDVH are at an all-time high, we are especially grateful for this gift," said NDVH Chief Executive Officer Sheryl Cates. "Verizon Wireless has been a valued partner in our efforts to end domestic violence."

The lawsuit alleged Feature Films for Families illegally used an autodialer to call Verizon Wireless customers about the movie. The lawsuit stated that over 10 days in early February, nearly 500,000 calls were made to Verizon Wireless customers and employees from the telephone number 917-210-4609. When customers answered these calls to their wireless phones they heard either a prerecorded voice message or an individual reading a script promoting the anticipated release of the film.

 

Tags: [privacy]  [ict]  [tim]  [verizon wireless]  [ovi]  [verizon]  [iden]  [partner]  [lawsuit]  []