DISMISSED! University of Metaphysical Sciences Lawsuit UPDATE – CASE DISMISSED

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The University of Metaphysical Sciences Lawsuit was DISMISSED on MAY 12, 2025

The lawsuit was about nothing but an ads dispute, so if you read that it was about anything else you’re reading an article presenting falsities about the UMS lawsuit, of which there are many right now.

UMS’s competitor International Metaphysical Ministry doing business as University of Sedona and University of Metaphysics, located in Sedona Arizona, filed three lawsuits against UMS that spanned 2017 to 2025, 7.37 years. They are the only plaintiff in any UMS lawsuit case. There was never any other plaintiff in any UMS lawsuit. No students, faculty or government or non-government agencies have ever investigated or sued UMS. UMS’s curriculum, operations, degrees or legitimacy have never been part of any lawsuit.

No damages award or monetary judgment was entered against UMS in any of these cases.

UMS has never lost a lawsuit and the competitor (International Metaphysical Ministry doing business as University of Metaphysics and University of Sedona) has never won. All cases were either transferred or dismissed.

WHO Filed The University of Metaphysical Sciences Lawsuit Cases?

This is the first docket from the 2017 case files. This is where it all started.

university of metaphysical sciences lawsuit update

This docket says: “Plaintiff International Metaphysical Ministry, Inc. (hereinafter ‘IMM’) is a 501(c)3 non-profit religious and educational organization headquartered in Sedona, Arizona. IMM operates under several trade names, including The University of Metaphysics and The University of Sedona.”
— Docket 1, International Metaphysical Ministry Incorporated et al v. Schaefer et al, Case №3:17-cv-08280-JJT, filed December 28 2017.

DISMISSAL DOCKETS – MAY 12, 2025 – University of Metaphysical Sciences

Here you can look at the dismissal dockets yourself. “With prejudice” means the competitor cannot sue UMS again for these issues. If you read any article saying the lawsuit is ongoing, it isn’t true. It’s over. (Docket 216)

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2nd page below:

University of metaphysical sciences lawsuit dismissed

University of Metaphysical Sciences Lawsuit History

Here you can read the truthful history of the University of Metaphysical Sciences lawsuit cases. There were 3 UMS lawsuits filed by International Metaphysical Ministry running University of Metaphysics and University of Sedona.

1 – University of Metaphysical Sciences Lawsuit – 2017 –  Transferred

Court: U.S. District Court, District of Arizona
Case No.: 3:17-cv-08280-JJT
Title: International Metaphysical Ministry Incorporated et al v. Schaefer et al
Allegations: Requested injunctive relief to remove UMS website. “Defendants (UMS)… are to suspend the use of the URL www.metaphysicsuniversity.com (UMS’s website).” (Dkt. 2–1.)
Outcome: No public trial verdict was entered; the case was transferred to the Northern District of California. (Dkt. 49)
Filed: December 28, 2017
Plaintiff: International Metaphysical Ministry (University of Metaphysics / University of Sedona)
Defendants: Wisdom of the Heart 501(c)3

2 – University of Metaphysical Sciences Lawsuit – 2018 –  Dismissed

Court: U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (Oakland Division)
Case No.: 4:18-cv-04524-SBA
Title: International Metaphysical Ministry Incorporated et al v. Schaefer et al
Filed: 2018
Plaintiff: International Metaphysical Ministry (University of Metaphysics / University of Sedona)
Defendants: Wisdom of the Heart 501(c)3 / UMS
Allegations: Claimed UMS purchased IMM’s trademarks as Google Ads keywords.
Defense: UMS asserted that is did not run Google ads using IMM’s names.
Outcome:

Both parties ended up signing an agreement in 2019 to respect each other’s trademarks, but no liability and no money was exchanged, no fault. It was simply an agreement to not use each other’s trademarks, which ended the case. (Docket 126–1, Case 4:21-cv-08066-KAW)

Dismissed with prejudice. In Docket 104, the summary judgment order states: “IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT this action and all claims asserted herein are DISMISSED with prejudice.” In 2019, the parties signed a mutual trademark-respect agreement (no payment and no admission of liability by either party). (Dkt. 104, Case 4:18-cv-04524-SBA)

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University of Metaphysical Sciences lawsuit

3 – University of Metaphysical Sciences Lawsuit – 2021 – Dismissed

Court: U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (San Francisco Division)
Case No.: 4:21-cv-08066-KAW
Title: International Metaphysical Ministry Incorporated et al v. Wisdom of the Heart Church
Filed: 2021 (related filings 2022)
Plaintiff: International Metaphysical Ministry (University of Metaphysics / University of Sedona)
Defendant: Wisdom of the Heart Church (University of Metaphysical Sciences)
Allegations: Repeat of 2016 and 2018 claims concerning Google ads
Defense: UMS produced Google Ads negative keyword settings list showing that IMM’s names are on the list. Negative keywords prevent any bid or ad being made with the search terms on the list.
Outcome: Dismissed with prejudice on May 12, 2025. (Dkt. 216) The case ended before a public trial verdict. No damages award or monetary judgment was entered against UMS. No settlement happened.
Legal Effect: A dismissal with prejudice generally bars refiling the same claims in that case.

From Case 3, Case No.: 4:21-cv-08066-KAW
Summary Judgment — University of Metaphysical Sciences Lawsuit
Docket 74

  • “The search results and screenshots on which Plaintiff relies do not establish that Defendants bid on Plaintiff’s marks or caused their ads to appear in response to such searches.” (Dkt. 74 at 14:13–16)
  • “Plaintiff has not submitted billing records from Google, technical logs, or expert analysis that would support its theory of keyword bidding.” (Dkt. 74 at 14:16–18)
  • “Plaintiff has not identified specific statements by Defendants that would constitute misrepresentations under the Lanham Act.” (Dkt. 74 at 16:12–14)
  • “There is no evidence in the record that consumers were misled or deceived by Defendants’ advertising or online presence.” (Dkt. 74 at 20:5–7)
  • “Plaintiff has not offered admissible evidence demonstrating any economic injury caused by Defendants’ conduct.” (Dkt. 74 at 22:9–11)
  • “Plaintiff has not shown a causal relationship between the alleged acts and any purported harm.” (Dkt. 74 at 22:14–16)
  • “Plaintiff’s arguments rely on speculation and interpretation of screenshots, neither of which constitute admissible evidence sufficient to create a genuine dispute of material fact.” (Dkt. 74 at 23:3–6)
  • “Because Plaintiff has not met its burden under Rule 56, Defendants are entitled to summary judgment on Plaintiff’s claims.” (Dkt. 74 at 23:7–10)
  • “The Court concludes that Plaintiff has not established a triable issue of fact on the essential elements of its claims.” (Dkt. 74 at 23:11–14)

What Is the Tuition for University of Metaphysical Sciences?

The full cost to enroll in University of Metaphysical Sciences is $795 — and that includes all three levels of education: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate (PhD or DD). This is a one-time tuition fee, not a per-degree charge. UMS offers an affordable yet deeply enriching path for those called to study metaphysics at a professional level.

What You Receive

The UMS curriculum spans over 2,500 pages of written course material developed by more than 40 contributors, along with a library of 70+ guided audio meditations. These meditations are woven into the coursework to create a transformational, embodied learning experience.

Each course includes an open-book exam and dialogues for sharing personal insights and meditation reflections. Students can submit questions, receive feedback from the UMS exam team, or simply move through the material independently. Many students appreciate the balance of structure, interaction, and self-guided growth as they pursue their metaphysical degrees. 

Who Founded University of Metaphysical Sciences?

UMS was founded in 2004 by Christine Breese, PhD, and is operated by the nonprofit Wisdom of the Heart 501(c)3. Degrees are issued through University of Metaphysical Sciences, and  ministerial ordination is given to students through Wisdom of the Heart 501(c)3 for those who feel called to spiritual leadership.

Accreditation and Legal Standing

University of Metaphysical Sciences holds accreditation through two prominent professional associations in the holistic and spiritual education field:

  • American Alternative Medical Association (AAMA)

  • American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP)

In addition, UMS is a registered religious-exempt school with the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). This ensures that its degree programs are legally recognized for those on a metaphysical, spiritual, or ministry-based path.

Location of University of Metaphysical Sciences

UMS is located in Arcata California and Eureka California. UMS is NOT located in Sedona Arizona as some misleading search terms and articles may lead you to believe. Make sure you are on UMS’s websites if you are trying to sign up for UMS because some people have accidently signed up for other schools in Sedona Arizona when trying to sign up for UMS and then disappointed they weren’t getting UMS courses. Make sure the website is a school that is located in Arcata California or Eureka California if you are trying to sign up with UMS.

University of Metaphysical Sciences Lawsuit Update – UMS Is Here To Stay

UMS is here to stay. UMS is not going away. None of the UMS lawsuit cases were a threat to UMS existing. Never has UMS’s registration, legal standing or religious exempt status been threatened by any lawsuit. The UMS lawsuit filings were only about Google ads for the most part, and that was manageable.

It has been unfortunate that UMS has had to deal with competitor filed lawsuits from International Metaphysical Ministry doing business as University of Metaphysics and University of Sedona, but UMS remains strong and has always taken care of its students without interruption. UMS’s mission continues. Fortunately UMS has wealthy backers who have supported UMS in the legal proceedings.

UMS has existed for 21 years, is a beautiful light in the world, and it will always continue to make the world a better place.

 

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