View source for The Oatmeal and FunnyJunk legal dispute

{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2014}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2012}}
A legal dispute between [[webcomic]] ''[[The Oatmeal]]'' and content aggregator website FunnyJunk began in 2011.<ref name="arstechnica2011"/><ref name="arstechnica2012"/> ''The Oatmeal'' creator [[Matthew Inman]] alleged in 2011 that FunnyJunk users repeatedly [[copyright infringement|infringed copyright]] of ''The Oatmeal''{{'}}s [[original content]]. In June 2012, FunnyJunk's lawyer, [[Charles Carreon]], sent Inman a letter demanding US$20,000 in [[damages]] from him, alleging the claims he made were [[defamatory]]. Inman responded by publishing the letter on his site, along with a response and announcement that he would be organizing a charity fundraiser through [[Indiegogo]], donating the amount demanded by Carreon to the [[American Cancer Society]] and the [[National Wildlife Federation]].
On June 15, 2012, Carreon filed a separate [[pro se]] lawsuit ''Carreon vs Inman et al'' against Inman, Indiegogo, both charities and a hundred [[John Doe|Does]] for allegations related to ''The Oatmeal''{{'}}s response and related actions by other individuals. Carreon dropped this case on July 3 of that year. ''[[Mashable]]'' named the case first among their list of "silliest tech lawsuits ever."<ref name="mcclelland">McClelland, Jo (July 12, 2012). [http://mashable.com/2012/07/12/silly-tech-lawsuits/ Top 9 Silliest Tech Lawsuits Ever.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715061606/http://mashable.com/2012/07/12/silly-tech-lawsuits/ |date=July 15, 2012 }} ''[[Mashable]]''</ref> Carreon was also sued by the anonymous operator of a blog parodying him after Carreon sent letters to the site's web host demanding they reveal its operator.
==Background==
FunnyJunk is a website where users can upload content they find humorous. According to ''[[Ars Technica]]'', key FunnyJunk personnel are Bryan Durel and Benjamin Bunker.<ref name="Anderson210717">Anderson, Nate (July 17, 2012). [https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/07/finding-the-mystery-man-behind-funnyjunk/ Finding the mystery man behind FunnyJunk.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027230511/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/07/finding-the-mystery-man-behind-funnyjunk/ |date=October 27, 2017 }} ''[[Ars Technica]]''</ref>
In 2010, ''The Oatmeal'' creator Matthew Inman found that FunnyJunk was distributing copies of comics from his website without permission. He sent e-mails, resulting in removal of some but not all of the comics, and subsequently discontinued attempts at removal.
In May 2011, Inman made a post on ''The Oatmeal''{{'}}s [[blog]] against FunnyJunk and contemplating a [[cease and desist]] under the [[Digital Millennium Copyright Act|DMCA]] (see [[Online Copyright Infringement Liability Limitation Act]]).<ref name="arstechnica2011"/><ref name="oatmealrant"/> The FunnyJunk owner known simply as "Admin" responded with a message to all users claiming that “the Oatmeal wants to sue funnyjunk and shut it down! He thinks we're nothing more than dirty content thieves...Contact Oatmeal anyway you can!" and provided links to ''The Oatmeal''{{'}}s e-mail and [[Facebook]] page.<ref name="oatmealfunnyjunk2"/> This triggered spamming by FunnyJunk users and a [[flame war]] with ''The Oatmeal'' readers.<ref name="arstechnica2011"/>
==Operation BearLove Good, Cancer Bad==
In 2011/2012, FunnyJunk hired [[Charles Carreon]] to review its website.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/funnyjunk-lawyer-suing-the-oatmeal-cartoonist-inman-over-indiegogo-charity-drive/2012/06/18/gJQAbZhDlV_blog.html |title=FunnyJunk lawyer suing The Oatmeal cartoonist Inman over Indiegogo charity drive |last=Cavna |first=Michael |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=June 18, 2012 |access-date=June 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623205217/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/funnyjunk-lawyer-suing-the-oatmeal-cartoonist-inman-over-indiegogo-charity-drive/2012/06/18/gJQAbZhDlV_blog.html |archive-date=June 23, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In June 2012, Carreon delivered a [[demand letter]] via [[process server]] to Matthew Inman of ''The Oatmeal'' claiming that ''The Oatmeal''{{'}}s posts regarding FunnyJunk's alleged copyright infringement constituted defamation.<ref name="mashable"/> The letter demanded the removal of references to FunnyJunk and US$20,000 in damages. Inman responded with a blog post on ''The Oatmeal'', containing an annotated copy of the letter, and refusing to comply with the demand. Inman further proposed to raise the requisite $20,000, take a photo of himself with the cash, and send the photograph along with a satirical illustration of FunnyJunk's mother "seducing a [[Kodiak bear]]" to FunnyJunk.<ref name="oatmeallawsuitcomic" /><ref name="komonews" /> Rather than pay the damages, Inman proposed to donate the money to two charities, the [[National Wildlife Federation]] and the [[American Cancer Society]]. This blog post elicited more popular support for Inman and ''The Oatmeal'' than anticipated, and the fundraising effort "Operation BearLove Good. Cancer Bad." generated the $20,000 in 64 minutes and over $100,000 in under 24 hours, and at completion he raised $220,024.<ref name="indiegogo" /> Inman also responded via counsel.<ref name="scribd" /> On June 21, 2012, Carreon abandoned FunnyJunk's demands because of misinformation.<ref name="guardian-cartoonists">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2012/jun/21/oatmeal-carreon-comics-property |title=The Oatmeal beat Funnyjunk, but other cartoonists aren't so lucky |newspaper=The Guardian |last=Bradbury |first=Daniel |date=June 21, 2012 |access-date=June 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313165128/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2012/jun/21/oatmeal-carreon-comics-property |archive-date=March 13, 2014 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="stranger-comic">{{cite web |url=http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/win-lose-or-draw/Content?oid=13970862 |title=Local Cartoon Spat Escalates to Your Mama Jokes, Death Threats, and a Fundraiser for Wildlife |work=The Stranger |last=Bradbury |first=Danny |date=June 19, 2012 |access-date=June 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624163422/http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/win-lose-or-draw/Content?oid=13970862 |archive-date=June 24, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
The incident spurred commentary by Dan Mitchell of ''[[SF Weekly]]'' on how the [[Digital Millennium Copyright Act]] places the onus of policing violations on content creators<ref name="sfweeklyblog" /> and by Maxwell S. Kennerly Esquire of the Beasley Firm LLC on whether public accusations of copyright infringement are defamatory.<ref name="litigationandtrial" />
In the aftermath of the blog post, FunnyJunk took down all pages Inman linked as infringement and Carreon sought to hide his e-mail address due to a flood of e-mail. Carreon expressed surprise, stating: "I really did not expect that he would marshal an army of people who would besiege my website and send me a string of obscene emails."<ref name="msnbc"/> On June 14, 2012 Carreon replaced his contact page with one saying, "Due to security attacks instigated by Matt Inman, this function has been temporarily disabled."<ref name="forbes1" /> Inman, however, disputed the assertion that he had instigated an attack, noting in a blog post that Carreon's contact information had been redacted from his initial comic and that he had never directed anyone to attack Carreon.<ref name="oatmeal-blog-response">{{cite web |url=http://theoatmeal.com/blog/carreon |title=Charles Carreon is officially suing me and the charities I'm raising money for |last=Inman |first=Matthew |work=The Oatmeal |access-date=June 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624043210/http://theoatmeal.com/blog/carreon |archive-date=June 24, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Carreon's website, [[Twitter]] account and [[WordPress]] site were all attacked, but he says "I welcome the opportunity to confront legally the misuse of a new technology."<ref name="forbes2" />
Carreon claimed that a user identifying themselves as "Modelista" at ''[[Ars Technica]]'' registered the Charles_Carreon account at Twitter on June 14, 2012.<ref name=dmlp>{{cite web|url=http://www.dmlp.org/threats/charles-carreon-v-matthew-inman-et-al |title=Charles Carreon v. Matthew Inman, et al. |website=Digital Media Law Project |date=July 20, 2012 |access-date=July 13, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dmlp.org/sites/citmedialaw.org/files/2012-06-25-First%20Amended%20Complaint.pdf |title=First Amended Complaint |via=Digital Media Law Project |date=June 25, 2012 |access-date=July 13, 2020}}</ref> Carreon tried to identify the operator of the impostor account by subpoenaing Twitter and ''Ars Technica''.<ref name="ars-subpoena">{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/06/doubling-down-funnyjunk-lawyer-to-subpoena-ars-twitter/ |title=Doubling down: FunnyJunk lawyer to subpoena Ars, Twitter |work=Ars Technica |last=Anderson |first=Nate |date=June 20, 2012 |access-date=June 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625073259/http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/06/doubling-down-funnyjunk-lawyer-to-subpoena-ars-twitter/ |archive-date=June 25, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="thier2012jun21">{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2012/06/21/charles-carreon-subpoeaning-ars-technica-twitter-in-oatmeal-suit/ |title=Charles Carreon Subpoeaning Ars Technica, Twitter in Oatmeal Suit |last=Thier |first=Dave |date=June 21, 2012 |work=Forbes |access-date=June 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624125855/http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2012/06/21/charles-carreon-subpoeaning-ars-technica-twitter-in-oatmeal-suit/ |archive-date=June 24, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Carreon filed a notice of voluntary dismissal on July 3, 2012.<ref name=dmlp /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dmlp.org/sites/citmedialaw.org/files/2012-07-03-Notice%20of%20Voluntary%20Dismissal.pdf |title=Notice of Voluntary Dismissal |via=Digital Media Law Project |date=July 3, 2012 |access-date=July 13, 2020}}</ref> As of September 2012, the account was suspended.<ref>[https://m.twitter.com/Charles_Carreon Charles Carrson] Twitter</ref>
Carreon sent [[Indiegogo]] a request to halt Inman's charity fundraiser as a [[terms of service]] violation,<ref name="msnbc"/> alleging that the charities' names are misrepresented in violation of California law, and Inman will profit. Inman promised, "I won't use any of the money on legal fees."<ref name="cbsnews" /> and "100% of it is going to charity."<ref name="indiegogo2">{{cite web |url=http://www.indiegogo.com/bearlovegood?c=activity |title=BearLove Good. Cancer Bad. |work=Indiegogo |access-date=June 25, 2012}}</ref> Indiegogo investigated the allegations and did not suspend the campaign.<ref name="ars-indienono" /><ref name="betabeat">{{cite web |url=http://betabeat.com/2012/06/nice-try-funnyjunk-indiegogo-will-not-be-shutting-down-theoatmeal/ |title=Nice Try, FunnyJunk: Indiegogo Says the Oatmeal's Fundraiser is A-Okay |work=Betabeat |publisher=The Observer |date=June 15, 2012 |last=Faircloth |first=Kelly |access-date=June 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118032223/http://betabeat.com/2012/06/nice-try-funnyjunk-indiegogo-will-not-be-shutting-down-theoatmeal/ |archive-date=November 18, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
When Operation BearLove Good, Cancer Bad ended, Matthew Inman said that he still plans to go with his plan of taking a picture of the money, sending it to Carreon with the satirical picture, and donating the money, though now both the National Wildlife Federation and the American Cancer Society get $105,611.52 each instead of $10,000 each.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://theoatmeal.com/blog/fundraiser_update |title=Operation BearLove Good, Cancer Bad has ended. Now what? |publisher=The Oatmeal |last=Inman |first=Matthew |access-date=July 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120704023608/http://theoatmeal.com/blog/fundraiser_update |archive-date=July 4, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Inman negotiated to receive the sum in [[United States twenty-dollar bill|$20 bills]] from the bank.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cavna |first=Michael |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/the-oatmeals-charity-drive-inmans-indiegogo-campaign-closes-with-220k--next-the-money-shot/2012/06/26/gJQAw9p13V_blog.html |title=THE OATMEAL's CHARITY DRIVE: Inman's Indiegogo campaign closes with $220K — next: the money shot - Comic Riffs |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=February 25, 2011 |access-date=June 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626193321/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/the-oatmeals-charity-drive-inmans-indiegogo-campaign-closes-with-220k--next-the-money-shot/2012/06/26/gJQAw9p13V_blog.html |archive-date=June 26, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://theoatmeal.com/blog/fundraiser_update |title=Operation BearLove Good, Cancer Bad has ended. Now what? |publisher=The Oatmeal |access-date=June 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629044742/http://theoatmeal.com/blog/fundraiser_update |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Dave Thier |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2012/06/27/the-oatmeal-raises-over-200000-for-charity-amidst-legal-disputes/ |title=The Oatmeal Raises Over $200,000 for Charity Amidst Legal Disputes |work=Forbes |date=April 18, 2012 |access-date=June 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629170212/http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2012/06/27/the-oatmeal-raises-over-200000-for-charity-amidst-legal-disputes/ |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> As of July 1, 2012 Inman has already withdrawn and photographed his own funds,<ref name="ars-tro-opposition"/> posting the images on July 9.<ref name="golijan2012"/><ref name="oatmeal-charity-money">{{cite web |url=http://theoatmeal.com/blog/charity_money |title=As promised, here's the photo of $211,223 in cash we raised for charity |publisher=The Oatmeal |access-date=July 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710010415/http://theoatmeal.com/blog/charity_money |archive-date=July 10, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Glenn Fleishman participated in and reported the [[photo shoot]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Fleishman |first=Glenn |url=http://boingboing.net/2012/07/09/oatmeal.html |title=Oatmeal Spells F U in Money Shots |publisher=Boing Boing |date=May 29, 2012 |access-date=July 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713054322/http://boingboing.net/2012/07/09/oatmeal.html |archive-date=July 13, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/glennf/sets/72157630374463014/ |title=BearLove Giant Pile of Charity Money - a set on Flickr |date=July 2012 |publisher=Flickr.com |access-date=July 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713075843/http://www.flickr.com/photos/glennf/sets/72157630374463014 |archive-date=July 13, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Inman sent FunnyJunk a framed print of the satirical drawing and a photo of the cash spelling out "F. U."<ref name="oatmeal-charity-money"/>
== ''Carreon v. Inman et al'' ==
On June 15, 2012, Carreon filed a ''[[pro se]]'' lawsuit ''Carreon v. Inman et al'' in the [[United States District Court for the Northern District of California]] in Oakland against Inman, Indiegogo Inc., the [[American Cancer Society]], the [[National Wildlife Federation]] and a hundred anonymous Internet users for allegations related to the ''Oatmeal'' case.<ref name="techcrunch-sue">{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/06/17/can-i-sue-you-people-troll-lawyer-sues-the-charities-the-oatmeal-supports/ |title=Can I Sue You People? Troll Lawyer Sues The Charities The Oatmeal Supports |last=Biggs |first=John |work=TechCrunch |date=June 17, 2012 |access-date=June 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628080717/http://techcrunch.com/2012/06/17/can-i-sue-you-people-troll-lawyer-sues-the-charities-the-oatmeal-supports/ |archive-date=June 28, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2012/06/18/lawyer-charles-carreon-suing-the-oatmeal-american-cancer-society-and-national-wildlife-federation/ |title=Lawyer Charles Carreon Suing The Oatmeal, American Cancer Society and National Wildlife Federation |work=Forbes |last=Thier |first=Dave |date=June 18, 2012 |access-date=June 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623053704/http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2012/06/18/lawyer-charles-carreon-suing-the-oatmeal-american-cancer-society-and-national-wildlife-federation/ |archive-date=June 23, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="carreon-filing">{{cite web |url=http://charlescarreon.com/Carreon.v.Inman.Gov.Code.25559.Redacted.pdf |title=Lawsuit Filing |last=Carreon |first=Charles |access-date=June 25, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813012140/http://charlescarreon.com/Carreon.v.Inman.Gov.Code.25559.Redacted.pdf |archive-date=August 13, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="ars-sue">{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/06/angry-internet-lawyer-sues-the-oatmeal-bears-and-cancer-research/ |title=Angry "Internet lawyer" sues The Oatmeal, bears, and cancer research |work=Ars Technica |last=Johnson |first=Casey |date=June 18, 2012 |access-date=June 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623025647/http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/06/angry-internet-lawyer-sues-the-oatmeal-bears-and-cancer-research/ |archive-date=June 23, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In the filing, Carreon says he donated to the fundraiser, which would give him [[Standing (law)|legal standing]] for his lawsuit.<ref name="ars-legalstanding">{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/06/funnyjunks-lawyer-personally-gave-money-to-the-oatmeals-fundraiser/ |title=FunnyJunk's lawyer gave money to The Oatmeal's fundraiser |work=Ars Technica |last=Anderson |first=Nate |date=June 18, 2012 |access-date=June 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623025703/http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/06/funnyjunks-lawyer-personally-gave-money-to-the-oatmeals-fundraiser/ |archive-date=June 23, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Carreon stated that he wants to prevent [[charity fraud]] like the donations from being diverted from NWF and ACS to Inman, Indiegogo or other undisclosed charities.<ref name="indiegogo2"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2012/06/20/charles-carreon-on-his-oatmeal-suit-being-unpopular-gets-you-places/ |title=Charles Carreon on His Oatmeal Suit: "Being Unpopular Gets You Places" |last=Thier |first=Dave |work=Forbes |date=June 20, 2012 |access-date=June 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623052314/http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2012/06/20/charles-carreon-on-his-oatmeal-suit-being-unpopular-gets-you-places/ |archive-date=June 23, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Inman responded to the lawsuit with a blog post,<ref name="oatmeal-blog-response" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2012/06/19/the-oatmeal-and-indiegogo-respond-to-charles-carreons-lawsuit/ |title=The Oatmeal and Indiegogo Respond to Charles Carreon's Lawsuit |work=Forbes |last=Thier |first=Dave |date=June 19, 2012 |access-date=June 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622034148/http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2012/06/19/the-oatmeal-and-indiegogo-respond-to-charles-carreons-lawsuit/ |archive-date=June 22, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/06/19/the-oatmeal-to-charles-carreon-come-back-when-youve-calmed-down/ |title=The Oatmeal To Charles Carreon: "Come Back When You've Calmed Down" |last=Biggs |first=John |work=TechCrunch |date=June 19, 2012 |access-date=June 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623220514/http://techcrunch.com/2012/06/19/the-oatmeal-to-charles-carreon-come-back-when-youve-calmed-down/ |archive-date=June 23, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> but was advised against giving interviews.<ref name="stranger-comic"/>
Indiegogo responded with a statement calling the lawsuit "frivolous."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://betabeat.com/2012/06/indiegogo-fires-back-at-funnyjunk-lawyer-charles-carreon-calls-lawsuit-frivolous/ |title=Indiegogo Fires Back at FunnyJunk Lawyer's 'Internet Jihad' Lawsuit, Calls It 'Frivolous' |work=Betabeat |publisher=The Observer |date=June 18, 2012 |last=Roy |first=Jessica |access-date=June 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130106081817/http://betabeat.com/2012/06/indiegogo-fires-back-at-funnyjunk-lawyer-charles-carreon-calls-lawsuit-frivolous/ |archive-date=January 6, 2013 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Lawyer Rebecca E. Hoffman of [[Bloomberg BNA]] said Carreon's case could "only be described as frivolity on top of frivolousness."<ref name="Hoffman2012">Hoffman, Rebecca E. (June 28, 2012). [http://www.bna.com/blogs_post.aspx?id=12884910304&blogid=12884902340 He let the world know about some infringement and now he's getting sued for raising $200K for charity. Wait, what?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201172311/http://www.bna.com/blogs_post.aspx?id=12884910304&blogid=12884902340 |date=February 1, 2014 }} ''[[Bloomberg BNA]]''</ref>
On June 21, 2012, the case of ''Carreon v. Inman et al'' was assigned to Judge [[Edward M. Chen]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dockets.justia.com/docket/california/candce/4:2012cv03112/256114/|title=Carreon v. Inman et al|publisher=Justia|access-date=July 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118204421/http://dockets.justia.com/docket/california/candce/4:2012cv03112/256114/|archive-date=November 18, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> On the same day, the [[Electronic Frontier Foundation]] announced that it would represent Inman, stating, "This lawsuit is a blatant attempt to abuse the legal process to punish a critic."<ref name="eff-release2012">{{cite press release |url=https://www.eff.org/press/releases/eff-will-represent-oatmeal-creator-fight-against-bizarre-lawsuit-targeting-critical |title=EFF Will Represent The Oatmeal Creator in Fight Against Bizarre Lawsuit Targeting Critical Online Speech |publisher=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=June 21, 2012 |access-date=June 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622121150/https://www.eff.org/press/releases/eff-will-represent-oatmeal-creator-fight-against-bizarre-lawsuit-targeting-critical |archive-date=June 22, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2012/06/22/electronic-frontier-foundation-throws-its-weight-behind-the-oatmeal/ |title=Electronic Frontier Foundation Throws Its Weight Behind The Oatmeal |work=Forbes |last=Thier |first=Dave |date=June 22, 2012 |access-date=June 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625005552/http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2012/06/22/electronic-frontier-foundation-throws-its-weight-behind-the-oatmeal/ |archive-date=June 25, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2012/06/the_oatmeal_funny_jumk_lawsuit.php |title=S.F. Digital Civil Liberties Group Defends TheOatmeal.com Creator |last=Samaha |first=Albert |work=SF Weekly |date=June 21, 2012 |access-date=June 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624215551/http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2012/06/the_oatmeal_funny_jumk_lawsuit.php |archive-date=June 24, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
On June 25, Carreon amended his lawsuit against Inman and the other defendants to include [[Kamala Harris]], the state [[Attorney General]] of [[California]].<ref>{{cite web|title=FunnyJunk attorney ropes California Attorney General into The Oatmeal lawsuit|date=June 25, 2012|publisher=Ars Technica|url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/06/charles-carreon-just-wont-give-up/|access-date=June 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627224559/http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/06/charles-carreon-just-wont-give-up/|archive-date=June 27, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> On June 30, Carreon also requested a [[temporary restraining order]] to stop disbursement of the donations.<ref name="Farivar2012">Farivar, Cyrus (July 1, 2012). [https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/07/funnyjunk-lawyer-aims-to-halt-distribution-of-bearlove-money/ FunnyJunk lawyer aims to halt distribution of "BearLove" money.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027164626/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/07/funnyjunk-lawyer-aims-to-halt-distribution-of-bearlove-money/ |date=October 27, 2017 }} ''[[Ars Technica]]''</ref> On July 1, 2012 Inman's and Indiegogo's attorneys filed opposition.<ref name="ars-tro-opposition">{{cite web |last=Staff |first=Ars |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/07/the-oatmeal-fights-backs-snaps-photo-of-cash-sends-money-to-charity/ |title=The Oatmeal fights back, snaps photo of cash, sends money to charity |date=July 2, 2012 |publisher=Ars Technica |access-date=July 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120704185430/http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/07/the-oatmeal-fights-backs-snaps-photo-of-cash-sends-money-to-charity/ |archive-date=July 4, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eff.org/node/71119 |title=Inman's opposition to application for temporary restraining order &#124; Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=July 2012 |publisher=Eff.org |access-date=July 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018084753/https://www.eff.org/node/71119 |archive-date=October 18, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Golijan |first=Rosa |url=http://digitallife.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/02/12523622-internet-cartoonists-charity-fundraiser-turns-into-free-speech-debate?lite |title=Internet cartoonist's charity fundraiser turns into free speech debate - Digital Life |publisher=[[MSNBC]] |date=June 12, 2012 |access-date=July 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705042045/http://digitallife.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/02/12523622-internet-cartoonists-charity-fundraiser-turns-into-free-speech-debate?lite |archive-date=July 5, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2012/07/bears-still-good-cancer-still-bad-also-bad-trying-punish-critic-preventing-him |title=Bears Good, Cancer Bad. Also Bad: Trying to Punish A Critic by Preventing Him from Giving Money to Charity &#124; Electronic Frontier Foundation |publisher=Eff.org |date=June 28, 2012 |access-date=July 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014193632/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2012/07/bears-still-good-cancer-still-bad-also-bad-trying-punish-critic-preventing-him |archive-date=October 14, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> According to their filings, credit card donations held by Indiegogo were disbursed directly to the National Wildlife Foundation and the American Cancer Society on June 29 while donations via [[PayPal]] were held in a PayPal account.<ref name="ars-tro-opposition"/> Inman wrote checks to the charities against the PayPal balance and gave them to his lawyer.<ref name="ars-tro-opposition"/> Inman withdrew and photographed his own funds, posting the images on July 9.<ref name="golijan2012">Golijan, Rose (July 10, 2012). [https://web.archive.org/web/20120713035619/http://digitallife.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/10/12649360-cartoonist-keeps-odd-promise-to-internet-withdraws-21122304 Cartoonist keeps odd promise to Internet, withdraws $211,223.04.]  ''[[MSNBC]]''</ref>
On July 3, 2012, Carreon filed a [[notice of voluntary dismissal]] in his lawsuit against all parties [[without prejudice]].<ref name="effopsahl">Electronic Frontier Foundation (July 3, 2012). [https://www.eff.org/press/releases/charles-carreon-drops-bogus-lawsuit-against-oatmeal-creator Charles Carreon Drops Bogus Lawsuit Against The Oatmeal Creator.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120704041241/https://www.eff.org/press/releases/charles-carreon-drops-bogus-lawsuit-against-oatmeal-creator |date=July 4, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="ars-dismiss">{{cite web |last=Lee |first=Timothy B. |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/07/carreon-claims-victory-drops-his-lawsuit-against-the-oatmeal-et-al/ |title=Carreon claims victory, drops his lawsuit against The Oatmeal et al. |publisher=Ars Technica |date=October 4, 2009 |access-date=July 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120706201011/http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/07/carreon-claims-victory-drops-his-lawsuit-against-the-oatmeal-et-al/ |archive-date=July 6, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/07/03/charles-carreon-drops-lawsuit/ |title=FunnyJunk Attorney Charles Carreon Drops Lawsuit Against Oatmeal Creator |publisher=TechCrunch |date=January 4, 2011 |access-date=July 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120706010925/http://techcrunch.com/2012/07/03/charles-carreon-drops-lawsuit/ |archive-date=July 6, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Kelly Clay |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyclay/2012/07/04/funny-junk-drops-frivolous-lawsuit-against-the-oatmeal/ |title=Funny Junk Drops Frivolous Lawsuit Against The Oatmeal |work=Forbes |date=April 18, 2012 |access-date=July 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120707003350/http://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyclay/2012/07/04/funny-junk-drops-frivolous-lawsuit-against-the-oatmeal/ |archive-date=July 7, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Carreon declared, "Mission Accomplished," in an interview with Ars Technica<ref name="ars-dismiss"/> and told Comic Riffs, “Inman aborted his ‘publicity stunt’ to photograph himself with the proceeds that were intended to go to charity, the court took cognizance of the issues and ordered Inman to deposit evidence of his disposition of the funds, and Inman deposited the evidence of payments made to the charities.”<ref>{{cite news |last=Cavna |first=Michael |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/the-oatmeal-v-funnyjunk-lawyer-why-charles-carreon-dropped-his-indiegogo-charity-lawsuit/2012/07/06/gJQAND0pQW_blog.html |title='THE OATMEAL' v. FUNNYJUNK LAWYER: Why Charles Carreon dropped his Indiegogo charity lawsuit - Comic Riffs |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=February 25, 2011 |access-date=July 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120707052456/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/the-oatmeal-v-funnyjunk-lawyer-why-charles-carreon-dropped-his-indiegogo-charity-lawsuit/2012/07/06/gJQAND0pQW_blog.html |archive-date=July 7, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Carreon wrote to MSNBC.com, "While it's not the largest sum of money I have ever had a substantial role in raising, it is the first time I've seen it go to charity, and I think it's great."<ref name="mud-wrestling"/> Carreon went on to propose a [[mud wrestling]] match with Inman but Inman declined.<ref name="mud-wrestling">{{cite web |last=Golijan |first=Rosa |url=http://digitallife.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/10/12667082-will-lawyer-and-cartoonist-continue-fighting-for-charity-in-the-wrestling-ring?lite |title=Will lawyer and cartoonist continue fighting for charity ... in the wrestling ring? - Digital Life |publisher=[[MSNBC]] |access-date=July 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712215110/http://digitallife.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/10/12667082-will-lawyer-and-cartoonist-continue-fighting-for-charity-in-the-wrestling-ring?lite |archive-date=July 12, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> [[Robert X. Cringely]] wrote that Carreon's actions in the dispute made him "Internet Enemy No. 1."<ref name="cringely2012">Cringely, Robert X. (July 13, 2012). [http://www.infoworld.com/t/cringely/funnyjunk-vs-internet-the-good-guys-won-197630 FunnyJunk vs. Internet: The good guys won.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006134532/http://www.infoworld.com/t/cringely/funnyjunk-vs-internet-the-good-guys-won-197630 |date=October 6, 2012 }} ''[[InfoWorld]]''</ref>
==''Doe v. Carreon''==
In June, a critic of Carreon set up the site charles-carreon.com, a blog that pretends to be written by Carreon while satirically criticizing him. The Charles Carreon Esq. character is obsessed with [[dinosaurs]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://charles-carreon.com/about/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313140725/http://charles-carreon.com/about/|archive-date=March 13, 2014|title=About « censoriousdouchebag |publisher=Charles-carreon.com |date= |access-date=November 26, 2015}}</ref> On June 21, 2012 Carreon sent [[Register.com]] a letter demanding that they disclose the site's owner.<ref name="parody">{{cite web |last=Goodin |first=Dan |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/06/defenders-of-the-oatmeal-create-parody-websites-to-pick-up-the-fight/ |title=Defenders of The Oatmeal create parody websites to pick up the fight |publisher=Ars Technica |date=June 18, 2012 |access-date=June 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628224104/http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/06/defenders-of-the-oatmeal-create-parody-websites-to-pick-up-the-fight/ |archive-date=June 28, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Register.com acquiesced and briefly revealed the owner's name in the site's [[WHOIS]] information. "Satirical Charles" was represented by Paul Levy of [[Public Citizen]] ''[[pro bono]]''.<ref name="parody"/> Levy filed a federal suit ''Doe v. Carreon'' to seek a [[declaratory judgment]] to protect the satirical site's owner in July 2012.<ref name="farivar120703">Farivar, Cyrus (July 3, 2012). [https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/07/funnyjunk-lawyer-parody-site-charles-carreon-com-files-suit/ Former allies turn on Carreon, sue to halt his threats.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207012203/http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/07/funnyjunk-lawyer-parody-site-charles-carreon-com-files-suit/ |date=December 7, 2016 }} ''[[Ars Technica]]''</ref> After evading [[service of process|service]], Carreon agreed in December 2012 to settle for costs of $725. He then "engaged in unnecessary, [[vexatious litigation|vexatious]], and costly tactics" to determine the proper amount of attorney fees, but was ultimately ordered to pay $46,100.25.<ref>{{cite news|last=Anderson|first=Nate|title=The madness ends: Lawyer Charles Carreon to pay $46,100|url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/04/the-madness-ends-lawyer-charles-carreon-to-pay-46100/|access-date=April 13, 2013|newspaper=[[Ars Technica]]|date=April 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413005334/http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/04/the-madness-ends-lawyer-charles-carreon-to-pay-46100/|archive-date=April 13, 2013|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
==Rapeutation.com==
On July 7, 2012, Carreon released a [[music video]] "Psycho Santa: The Heroic Exploits of Matt Inman / A Work of Perpendicular Fact" on his new site Rapeutation.com.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rapeutation.com/ |title=A Distributed Internet Reputation Attack or, What You're Left With After You've Suffered One |publisher=Rapeutation |access-date=July 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710000918/http://rapeutation.com/ |archive-date=July 10, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="ars-rapeutation">{{cite web |last=Hutchinson |first=Lee |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/07/rapeutation-charles-carreon-still-not-done-with-the-oatmeal/ |title="Rapeutation": Charles Carreon still not done with The Oatmeal |date=July 9, 2012 |publisher=Ars Technica |access-date=July 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711232117/http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/07/rapeutation-charles-carreon-still-not-done-with-the-oatmeal/ |archive-date=July 11, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Carreon alleges that he was the victim of a "Distributed Internet Reputation Attack (DIRA)" perpetrated by "large numbers of both human and digital Internet zombies" acting in concert.<ref name="ars-rapeutation"/> Carreon claims to have evidence of a [[denial-of-service attack]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rapeutation.com/evidence-of-dos-attacks/ |title=A Distributed Internet Reputation Attack or, What You're Left With After You've Suffered One » Evidence of DOS Attacks |publisher=Rapeutation |access-date=July 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715035555/http://rapeutation.com/evidence-of-dos-attacks/ |archive-date=July 15, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
== See also ==
* [[Strategic lawsuit against public participation]] (SLAPP)
== References ==
{{Reflist|2|refs=
<ref name="arstechnica2011">{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2011/06/funnyjunk-vs-the-oatmeal/ |title=The Oatmeal vs. FunnyJunk: webcomic copyright fight gets personal |first=Nate |last=Anderson |work=Ars Technica |date=June 3, 2011 |access-date=June 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615222249/http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2011/06/funnyjunk-vs-the-oatmeal/ |archive-date=June 15, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
<ref name="arstechnica2012">{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/06/lawyer-demands-20000-so-webcomic-raises-100000-from-the-internet/ |title=Lawyer demands $20,000, so webcomic raises $100,000 from the Internet |first=Nate |last=Anderson |work=Ars Technica |date=June 12, 2012 |access-date=June 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615121659/http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/06/lawyer-demands-20000-so-webcomic-raises-100000-from-the-internet/ |archive-date=June 15, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
<ref name="mashable">{{cite web |title=The Oatmeal Fights Legal Threat, Raises $20,000 in an Hour |last=Hockenson |first=Lauren |date=June 12, 2012 |work=Mashable |url=http://mashable.com/2012/06/11/the-oatmeal-funnyjunk/ |access-date=June 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612141830/http://mashable.com/2012/06/11/the-oatmeal-funnyjunk/ |archive-date=June 12, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
<ref name="oatmealrant">{{cite web |url=http://theoatmeal.com/blog/funnyjunk |title=What should I do about FunnyJunk.com |first=Matthew |last=Inman |work=The Oatmeal |date=May 2011 |access-date=June 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120613042637/http://theoatmeal.com/blog/funnyjunk |archive-date=June 13, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
<ref name="oatmealfunnyjunk2">{{cite web |url=http://theoatmeal.com/blog/funnyjunk2 |title=An update on the FunnyJunk situation |last=Inman |first=Matthew |work=The Oatmeal |access-date=June 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616021443/http://theoatmeal.com/blog/funnyjunk2 |archive-date=June 16, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
<ref name="oatmeallawsuitcomic">{{cite web |title=FunnyJunk is threatening to file a federal lawsuit against me unless I pay $20,000 in damages |work=The Oatmeal |last=Inman |first=Matthew |url=http://theoatmeal.com/blog/funnyjunk_letter |access-date=June 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612115121/http://theoatmeal.com/blog/funnyjunk_letter |archive-date=June 12, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
<ref name="komonews">{{cite web |url=http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Website-war--158978925.html |title=Website war earns big bucks for charity |last=Johnson |first=Eric |work=Komo News |date=June 13, 2012 |access-date=June 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615034840/http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Website-war--158978925.html |archive-date=June 15, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
<ref name="indiegogo">{{cite web |title=BearLove Good. Cancer Bad. |work=Indiegogo |url=http://www.indiegogo.com/bearlovegood |access-date=June 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612175603/http://www.indiegogo.com/bearlovegood |archive-date=June 12, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
<ref name="scribd">{{cite web |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/96850920/FunnyJunk-The-Oatmeal-Response |title=FunnyJunk -- The Oatmeal Response |last=Balasubramani |first=Venkat |date=June 11, 2012 |access-date=June 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623153904/http://www.scribd.com/doc/96850920/FunnyJunk-The-Oatmeal-Response |archive-date=June 23, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
<ref name="sfweeklyblog">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2012/06/bear_seduction_and_the_copyrig.php |title=Bear Seduction and the Copyright Conundrum |last=Mitchell |first=Dan |work=SFWeekly |date=June 12, 2012 |access-date=June 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109061038/http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2012/06/bear_seduction_and_the_copyrig.php |archive-date=November 9, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
<ref name="litigationandtrial">{{cite web |last=Kennerly |first=Maxwell |title=FunnyJunk v. The Oatmeal Threatened Lawsuit Going Nowhere |url=http://www.litigationandtrial.com/2012/06/articles/attorney/funnyjunk-v-the-oatmeal/ |date=June 11, 2012 |work=Litigation & Trial |access-date=June 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615194307/http://www.litigationandtrial.com/2012/06/articles/attorney/funnyjunk-v-the-oatmeal/ |archive-date=June 15, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
<ref name="msnbc">{{cite web |title=Cartoonist turns lawsuit threat into $100K charity fundraiser |url=http://digitallife.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/12/12187665-cartoonist-turns-lawsuit-threat-into-100k-charity-fundraiser |first=Rosa |last=Golijan |work=MSNBC.com |date=June 2012 |access-date=June 13, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120613010748/http://digitallife.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/12/12187665-cartoonist-turns-lawsuit-threat-into-100k-charity-fundraiser |archive-date=June 13, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
<ref name="forbes1">{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2012/06/14/funnyjunks-lawyer-accuses-the-oatmeal-of-instigating-attacks-against-him/ |title=Funnyjunk's Lawyer Accuses The Oatmeal of Instigating Attacks Against Him |last=Thier |first=Dave |work=Forbes |date=June 14, 2012 |access-date=June 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617000007/http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2012/06/14/funnyjunks-lawyer-accuses-the-oatmeal-of-instigating-attacks-against-him/ |archive-date=June 17, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
<ref name="forbes2">{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2012/06/15/funnyjunk-lawyer-charles-carreon-isnt-afraid-of-the-oatmeal/ |title=Funnyjunk Lawyer Charles Carreon Isn't Afraid of The Oatmeal |last=Thier |first=Dave |work=Forbes |date=June 15, 2012 |access-date=June 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616214818/http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2012/06/15/funnyjunk-lawyer-charles-carreon-isnt-afraid-of-the-oatmeal/ |archive-date=June 16, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
<ref name="cbsnews">{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-oatmeals-matthew-inman-rejects-legal-threat-raises-over-150000-for-charity/ |title=The Oatmeal's Matthew Inman rejects legal threat, raises over $150,000 for charity |last=Ngak |first=Chenda |date=June 15, 2012 |work=CBS News |access-date=June 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120618024616/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501465_162-57452652-501465/the-oatmeals-matthew-inman-rejects-legal-threat-raises-$100000-for-charity |archive-date=June 18, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
<ref name="ars-indienono">{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/06/lawyer-tries-and-fails-to-shut-down-the-oatmeals-charitable-fundraiser/ |title=Lawyer tries and fails to shut down The Oatmeal's charitable fundraiser |last=Johnson |first=Casey |work=Ars Technica |date=June 15, 2012 |access-date=June 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615222159/http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/06/lawyer-tries-and-fails-to-shut-down-the-oatmeals-charitable-fundraiser/ |archive-date=June 15, 2012 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
}}
==External links==
*[https://www.eff.org/cases/carreon-v-inman Carreon v. Inman] at the [[Electronic Frontier Foundation]] website
*[https://archive.org/details/gov.uscourts.cand.256114 Case docket: Carreon v. Inman et al]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Oatmeal And FunnyJunk Legal Dispute, The}}
[[Category:2012 controversies in the United States]]