SEATTLE -- The plaques in the window of Mae Phim Thai restaurant in downtown Seattle claim the eatery is rated one of the city's best.

And for anybody passing by who takes a look, the plaque is likely to serve as an invitation.

But what the passersby don't know is that two of Mae Phim's plaques, which claim the place is one of the city's "Best Cheap Eats of 2005" are not valid.

The plaques, produced by a company called In The Spotlight, lists of well-known restaurant critics like Citysearch, AOL City Guide and Zagat. But those critics' names are being printed without permission which, according to the critics' lawyers, is both copyright and trademark infringement.

So why does In The Spotlight use the names? There's a simple answer: money. The plaques can sell for up to $200 each.

But before you blame the restaurants who buy and display the plaques, consider this.

Vivian Peterson, owner of the Seattle Greek restaurant Divine, claims In The Spotlight called her, posing as Citysearch.

"(The caller said) 'you won Best of Mediterranean Food for Best of Citysearch.' So I said, 'I would love a plaque, yes!"' she said.

Divine has plenty of other, legitimate awards to its credit, including two awards at the Bite of Seattle. Same is true for Mae Phim, who was reportedly also fooled by In The Spotlight.

In The Spotlight could not be reached for comment. The owner of the company told Seattle Weekly that the company is not authorized to make the plaques, but said he doesn't believe they pose any real threat.

Seattle Weekly is a media partner of KOMO News. Read more about this story on the Seattle Weekly's Web site.