That allowed the Weekly to cut the price of its ads so low that the Guardian had to struggle to cut its own costs to match the below-market rates.

At this point, the injunction should force the Weekly to compete on a level playing field - meaning that both papers will have a chance to survive in the market, offering readers and advertisers a choice. That's what the First Amendment's marketplace of ideas is all about.

Mike Lacey, VVM's executive editor, and Jim Larkin, the company's CEO, failed to return calls and e-mail seeking comment.

The Guardian's lawyers are Alldredge, Richard Hill, and E. Craig Moody.

For all the details and background on the case, go to www.sfbg.com/lawsuit.