University of Metaphysical Sciences Lawsuit and the Saga of Predatory Litigation (Or, Is It?)

If you have been seeing cases of the University of Metaphysical Sciences lawsuit making headlines on reddit and want to know what it is about, I have you covered!

While researching, I discovered that this case has been going on for the past nine years, starting in 2017.

According to several reports and members of the UMS, the plaintiff ahs spend an amount of $1.5 million to sue the institution. The reason?

Some say it is faulty tax records, while the institution maintains that this is nothing but “predatory litigation” from competitors. But what is the truth?

Keep on reading till the end to find out!

Key Findings

• The University of Metaphysical Sciences (UMS) is currently involved in a third lawsuit, with a trial scheduled for June 16-20, 2025.
• UMS asserts that it has faced false allegations since the first lawsuit began in 2017, claiming there have been no proven infractions against them.
• The university maintains confidence in its defense and emphasizes that these legal issues will not affect its registration status or educational services.
• UMS is actively seeking support through a legal defense fund as they prepare for the upcoming trial.

University of Metaphysical Sciences Overview

The University of Metaphysical Sciences (UMS) is a unique educational institution focusing on metaphysical studies, spirituality, and personal growth.

Located in Arcata, California, UMS offers degree programs in metaphysical topics, catering to individuals seeking to explore spirituality on a deeper level.

The courses cover various subjects, such as meditation, energy healing, consciousness studies, and spiritual counseling.

With online and in-person programs, UMS has become popular for those interested in alternative education. Its curriculum aims to provide not just academic knowledge but also personal transformation.

Students can earn certificates, bachelor’s, master’s, and even doctoral degrees in metaphysical fields.

For those looking to delve into metaphysical sciences or establish a career as spiritual counselors or metaphysical practitioners, UMS positions itself as a gateway to achieving these aspirations.

However, while the university has gained recognition for its unique offerings, it has also found itself amid legal controversies, sparking interest and concern among students, educators, and metaphysical enthusiasts alike.

All About the University of Metaphysical Sciences Lawsuit

The University of Metaphysical Sciences has been facing legal battles for several years, primarily involving allegations of unfair competition and intellectual property disputes.

These lawsuits, initiated by a competitor in the same niche, have drawn attention to the challenges small institutions face in niche education markets.

The primary lawsuit, titled International Metaphysical Ministry vs. Wisdom of the Heart Church (the parent organization of UMS), has been ongoing since 2017.

UMS has described the case as an example of predatory litigation, a term used to define legal actions taken with the intent to harm competitors financially and reputationally rather than to address legitimate grievances.

UMS asserts that these lawsuits are part of a broader strategy to disrupt its operations and tarnish its reputation.

What Are the Lawsuits About?

The lawsuits focus on accusations that UMS infringed on certain intellectual property rights and engaged in unfair competition. Additionally, they stated that they were facing allegations of running ads using the name of another institution.

However, UMS has consistently denied these claims, maintaining that it operates transparently and ethically.

The university has stated that the accusations are baseless and merely an attempt to create legal and financial hurdles for the institution.

People often use predatory litigation in competitive industries, especially when one player seeks to dominate a market.

For UMS, these legal battles have meant allocating significant resources to legal defense rather than academic growth.

Response from UMS: University of Metaphysical Sciences Lawsuit Update

Apart from maintaining their innocence, the University of Metaphysical Sciences mentions that the lawsuits are “ridiculous.”

They continue to say that UMS never ran advertisements featuring another school’s name. They also emphasize that “someone” is stating that the case is about something else, but it’s not.

UMS sticks to the point that this entire lawsuit saga results from Google Ads. This has to do with advertisements. UMS thinks someone else ran these advertisements to frame them. “We believe someone ran these ads in order to frame UMS.”

What made them think so?

Well, it’s because they found out that UMS had and still has their names on what we know as a “negative keyword list” on their Google Adwords account. Any name or word phrase that appears in a negative keyword list cannot be used to advertise.

Therefore, they claim that they couldn’t run advertisements using the names of other schools.

According to US law (the Lanham Act), Google’s policy is that businesses may bid on a trademarked name as a keyword, but the trademarked name cannot appear in the advertisement.

UMS looks forward to presenting the evidence that they never used their name as a “bidword” or even in an advertisement.

The Impact on UMS

Despite these challenges, UMS has emphasized that the lawsuits have not disrupted its operations. It continues to provide its educational programs and support to its students.

The university has also taken proactive steps to address the negative publicity surrounding the lawsuits, including establishing a dedicated legal defense fund.

UMS claims that alongside the legal challenges, it has been targeted by a coordinated campaign involving fake articles and spam attacks designed to damage its online reputation.

This has added another layer of complexity to the university’s efforts to maintain its credibility and trust among its students and supporters.

What’s Next for the University of Metaphysical Sciences Lawsuit?

The next phase of the lawsuit is set for trial from June 16 to 20, 2025. UMS has expressed confidence in its ability to prevail, citing a lack of evidence supporting the claims against it.

The university is also hopeful that the resolution of this case will end what it views as unjust legal harassment.

Why Does This Lawsuit Matter?

For those outside the metaphysical sciences niche, this legal saga highlights the broader issue of predatory litigation.

Small organizations often lack the resources to defend themselves against prolonged legal battles, which can stifle innovation and competition.

The University of Metaphysical Sciences Lawsuit serves as a reminder of the importance of fair competition and the challenges niche institutions face in maintaining their operations and reputations.

Understanding Predatory Litigation: Is the University of Metaphysical Sciences Lawsuit Predatory?

You must have seen cases on TV or heard of instances where one party filed a case against another, intending to harm them. Most of the time, these result from unfair competition where one tries to bring another down.

This is one of the simplest examples of predatory litigation.

Just like the name suggests, predatory litigation is a type of lawsuit where one party files a case intending to injure another party (their competitor) through unfair means.

Additionally, it can involve threats and irrational lawsuits. It is more of a calculated strategy that aims to delay recovery and destroy the image of the competitor.

So, according to most data I have come across, the founders and others related to this litigation claim that UMS did not run any ad (chief allegation) targeting the other school in the same niche. As a result of which, the court dismissed the case in 2024.

The members of UMS claim that the opposition tried to harm the university’s reputation by using Google’s algorithm and targeted keywords that reached several people online. Additionally, they stated that this was nothing but an intention to harm the image of UMS.

They said, “it [was] pretty circumstantial that it all started immediately after certain disparaging webpages were put online.”

To me, personally, it seems like predatory. Or maybe someone’s mistake?

Your Legal Guide: Steps to Take Against Predatory Litigation

Facing predatory litigation can be overwhelming, but there are effective steps you can take to protect yourself and your interests.

As I have mentioned above, predatory litigation refers to the misuse of the legal system to harass or intimidate individuals or businesses, often for financial gain.

If you find yourself in this situation, here’s how to navigate it.

1. Understand Your Rights

First and foremost, it’s crucial to know your rights. Every individual has the right to defend themselves against unjust lawsuits.

Familiarize yourself with the legal definitions and implications of predatory litigation. This knowledge will empower you as you move forward.

2. Document Everything

Keep meticulous records of all interactions related to the lawsuit. This includes emails, letters, and notes from conversations.

Documenting everything can provide crucial evidence if you need to prove that the litigation is abusive or without merit. The more information you have, the stronger your position will be.

3. Consult a Legal Expert

Engaging a lawyer specializing in litigation or consumer protection is one of the most effective steps.

A knowledgeable attorney can help assess your situation, provide legal advice tailored to your case, and represent you in court if necessary.

They can also help identify any predatory practices being used against you and strategize on how to counter them effectively.

4. File a Counterclaim if Necessary

If you believe the lawsuit is baseless or retaliatory, consider filing a counterclaim against the plaintiff. This could shift the burden back onto them and deter further harassment.

Your attorney can guide you through this process and help determine if this step is appropriate for your situation.

5. Seek a Protective Order

In cases where litigation is being used as a tool for harassment, you might be able to obtain a protective order from the court.

This order can limit the plaintiff’s ability to file further lawsuits against you without prior approval from the court, effectively curbing their abusive tactics.

6. Report Abusive Practices

If you suspect the litigation is predatory or abusive, report it to relevant authorities such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

They handle complaints about unfair practices and may take action against those engaging in predatory litigation tactics.

Providing detailed information about your experience will assist them in their investigation.

7. Explore Settlement Options

Sometimes, settling out of court may be a viable option, especially if it means avoiding prolonged stress and expenses associated with litigation. However, ensure that any settlement does not leave you vulnerable to future claims or harassment.

8. Stay Informed on Legal Developments

Laws regarding predatory litigation are constantly evolving. Stay informed about changes in laws that might affect your case or provide new avenues for defense. Joining support groups or forums related to legal issues can also provide valuable insights and shared experiences from others facing similar challenges.

9. Maintain Composure

Lastly, while it’s easier said than done, remain calm throughout this process. Predatory litigation can be designed to provoke emotional responses; however, staying composed will help you make rational decisions and avoid mistakes that could harm your case.

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