Post Release dated 11.5.2012
From the Office of Anil Vazirani
14301 North 87th St. #216
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
California Superior Court rules in favor of Anil Vazirani in the case of Aviva USA Corporation and Aviva Life and Annuity Co. v. Anil Vazirani.
Two affiliates of Aviva PLC, the world’s 6th largest insurance company, filed suit against Anil and his company, Vazirani & Associates Financial, LLC, attempting to squelch Anil’s constitutionally protected speech, which alerted consumers to Aviva’s business practices and various legal actions taken against Aviva for those practices. Los Angeles Judge Michelle R. Rosenblatt dismissed all of Aviva’s claims against Anil, finding that Anil’s attempts to alert the public to Aviva’s business conduct was not advertising, and thus was protected.
Anil, who immigrated to the United States from Mumbai, India in 1990, states: “I’ve spent a very large sum of my own money in defense and it took quite a toll on me and my family. Remember, I am a small business owner – not a mega corporation with the shareholders money to throw around. As the case unfolded and the level of Aviva’s antics became clear, the monetary losses I was accruing didn’t matter any more. It’s about principal – bullying (sloppily) a small business owner just because they can didn’t sit well with me, nor should it sit well with anyone.”
Stephen Mick, lead counsel for Anil noted: “Aviva attempted to twist California’s commercial statutes aimed at false advertising and spam to shut down Anil’s First Amendment protected speech. It was a transparent effort to silence a vocal critic. We’re gratified that Judge Rosenblatt saw through this scheme and ruled in favor of Anil. “
Anil has filed a motion to recover his legal fees to at least partially recoup losses sustained while dedicating himself to protecting his business and personal reputation.
For details about the case or additional information please contact Stephen Mick, counsel for Anil Vazarani.
Stephen R. Mick
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
2049 Century Park East, Suite 2049
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 284-3885
smick@btlaw.com