Is there a law about spreading false information about a company?

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by Goma, Jul 20, 2007.

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  1. #1
    I am wondering if there is a law againist spreading false information of a company like saying they are fraud or stealing credit cards numbers when they are not. And if so whats the law called?

    Thanks guys?
     
    Goma, Jul 20, 2007 IP
  2. AstarothSolutions

    AstarothSolutions Peon

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    #2
    It is deformation, in the UK at least it is covered by common law rather than legislation. Defamation comes in the forms of libel or slander depending on if it is written or spoken.
     
    AstarothSolutions, Jul 20, 2007 IP
  3. DavidF9

    DavidF9 Well-Known Member

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    #3
    *Defamation. If you damage another party's reputation through statements you have made, causing pecuniary loss the onus is on you to prove that the statements made were true, or said in the heat of an argument - if you can't prove that, you could be liable to the quantified extent of the loss.
     
    DavidF9, Jul 20, 2007 IP
  4. mobyme

    mobyme Peon

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    #4
    That's it in a nutshell; although I think it is worth pointing out that you need to be able to prove any pecuniary loss with hard evidence.
     
    mobyme, Jul 20, 2007 IP
  5. AstarothSolutions

    AstarothSolutions Peon

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    #5
    Also depends where you are, under UK law one of them (think it is libel) is strict liability and there is strictly no need for proof of losses caused though you would only get notional damages unless you can substantiate something more substantial.
     
    AstarothSolutions, Jul 21, 2007 IP
  6. krispy1812

    krispy1812 Peon

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    #6
    LIbel, Slander and Defammation are pretty much the standard forms of damaging a 'person's (whether individual or 'legal person') reputation.

    There are various exceptions to the standard rules, like certain public offices, public persons/ duties etc., are deemed to be ones which should expect 'critisim' as 'par for the course' -

    so, I wouldn't worry too much about it Mr Bush. :p
     
    krispy1812, Jul 21, 2007 IP
  7. CANAffiliate

    CANAffiliate Peon

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    #7
    Also, in support of some of the responses here, that indicating that factual crimes were committed when they have not, it's easy to prove the existence or nonexistence of such elements for the company being accused. They're facts.

    However, when it comes to statements like "this company doesn't care about it's customers" or "this company's quality sucks," then you're dealing with opinions that may prove more difficult or costly for the company to prove. In which case, you hope the company is well established with enough goodwill to thwart the occasional negative remark as much as that remark appears incredulous from a satisfied customer's perspective.
     
    CANAffiliate, Jul 22, 2007 IP
  8. krispy1812

    krispy1812 Peon

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    #8
    Bear in mind they are also notoriously amongst the most expensive types of legal actions known, so unless you have very deep pockets.....:eek:
     
    krispy1812, Jul 23, 2007 IP