How can I legally defend my company against defamation?
November 16, 2023 | 80,00 EUR | answered by Yvonne Schmidt
Dear lawyer,
I am reaching out to you as I urgently need legal advice. My name is Laura Völker and I am the owner of a small business in the field of business consulting. In recent weeks, I have noticed an increase in defamatory statements and false claims made online by former clients and competitors attacking my business. This defamation has already led to a noticeable decrease in business and is threatening the existence of my company.
The current situation is that the negative statements are being spread on various review platforms, forums, and social media platforms. Despite my efforts to refute the false claims and work towards a factual resolution of the conflict, the situation seems to be escalating out of control. I am deeply concerned about the reputation of my business and wonder how I can legally defend against it.
What legal steps can I take to defend my company against this defamation? Are there ways to stop the spread of defamatory statements and hold those responsible accountable? How can I restore my good reputation and that of my company?
I thank you in advance for your time and advice.
Sincerely,
Laura Völker
Dear Mrs. Völker,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the defamation of your company through defamatory statements on the internet. It is very unfortunate that you are faced with this situation, as a good reputation and a positive online presence are crucial for the success of a business today.
First and foremost, it is important to know that as the owner of a business in the field of management consulting, you can take legal action against the spreaders of defamatory statements. In Germany, defamation and slander are punishable under § 186 and § 187 of the Criminal Code. This means that individuals who spread false facts about you or your company and thereby damage your reputation can be held criminally responsible. It is important to gather evidence to refute the spreaders' claims.
Furthermore, you can initiate civil proceedings to assert claims for damages. You can file an injunction against the spreaders of defamatory statements to stop further dissemination. Additionally, you can sue for injunction, damages, and counterstatement to restore your reputation and that of your company. It is advisable to consult an experienced attorney specializing in business law who can support you in this process.
In addition, you should take proactive steps to defend and strengthen your good reputation online. You can disseminate positive content about your company to overshadow the negative statements. A professional online reputation management agency can also help you protect and enhance your reputation on the internet.
I hope this information is helpful to you and that you will soon find a solution to your problem. If you have any further questions or need legal assistance, I am at your disposal.
Sincerely,
Yvonne Schmidt
Attorney at Law specializing in Business Law
