Cohen Seglias Suit Says DOD Must Unblock Its Web Domain

By: Emily Sawicki

Cohen Seglias has sued the Department of Defense (DoD) because its software system incorrectly flagged our web domain as malware, leading to a block that prevents DOD officials from accessing the firm’s website. Michael Payne, who is representing Cohen Seglias in the suit, is quoted in Law360 highlighting the significant disruption caused to the firm’s operations and emphasizing the urgency of lifting the block, criticizing the government’s handling of the situation and seeking immediate injunctive relief to remedy the issue. Despite the government’s assurance that the domain could be unblocked by a certain date, Cohen Seglias deems the timeline unreasonable and insists on a prompt resolution to prevent further harm to its business and our clients’ businesses.

Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman PC has sued a communications arm of the Department of Defense over claims a government software system mistakenly flagged the firm’s web domain as malware, asking the agency to clear a “bureaucratic quagmire” and lift the block keeping DOD officials from contacting its lawyers.

The Philadelphia-based firm on Thursday asked a Pennsylvania federal court to order the Defense Information Systems Agency to unblock the firm’s website from military agencies’ computers, alleging the government violated the Administrative Procedure Act when it blocked government contact to the site and refused to immediately reverse the action.

In the 15 years since Cohen Seglias formed its government contracting group, Micahel Payne said the firm has “not encountered a single interruption or blockage of its email service from any source,” including the government, and that since 2009, it has represented “hundreds of government contractors in matters involving federal agencies,” receiving “thousands of emails daily.”