This one hits close to home...Clean Coal and Wash U

Wash U is part of a group called the Consortium for Clean Coal Utilization. They've got a nice little website and some major sponsors (their website identified Peabody Energy, Arch Coal, and Ameren as lead sponsors). The CCCU's stated purpose is to to "foster the utilization of coal as a safe and affordable source of energy, and as a chemical feedstock, with minimal impact on the environment."

Well, an environmental activist named Brian DeSmit launched a spoof site painting the consortium's goals and visions in an unfavorable light.

Peabody energy sent a demand letter to Mr. DeSmit basically telling him to shut down the entire site, first citing copyright infringement, but then also getting into what else they felt was wrong with the site.

DeSmit's lawyer has since sent a response letter and the legal wrangling continues. I don't think Peabody has a leg to stand on and it's my belief that they were just trying to scare/bully DeSmit into taking down a website they don't like. DeSmit never purports to be a part of the organization and even has a statement on the site saying "This website is not endorsed by or connected with Washington University and the 'Clean Coal' Consortium."

To decide for yourself or just read more, visit the following link.

http://www.citmedialaw.org/threats/peabody-energy-corporation-v-desmet#description