There is an ad running on Google (right side panel on certain searches) that reads as follows:
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COPD Warning Signs <<<<<<<< Link referenced below is here
Don’t Wait For The Symptoms To Get
Worse. Learn About Treating COPD
www .copd-international.com <<<< not an active link in the ad
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Though it appears to be our, it is, in fact, someone hijacking our good name (deliberately or accidentally).

The link takes you to copdcommunity.info.
That website is set up as a niche site designed to make money off any links clicked on there. They appear to be involved with the domain estanton-ads.info. The ad is a paid ad by them, and is receiving very high placement and high numbers of impressions (page views).

This has already been turned in to the Google Ads Management team.

Note: The domains involved were all registered earlier this month (Apr 9th and 16th) which also questions the fact that it might be a deliberate action.

Again, it has NO connection to us.

Our advertising policy is very clear. We do not accept ads, nor would we use any program that appears to endorse others. This policy is designed to allow us to maintain complete neutrality.

It should also be noted that several other good COPD resources are being victimized by this tactic.

cg
4/25/2010