Lexington Internet Libel Lawyers
As blogging, social networking and similar online activities have expanded, it has become commonplace for Internet users to post negative comments and/or misinformation on the Web about businesses. This type of activity can damage a company's reputation greatly, causing significant business losses.
The Kentucky law firm of McBrayer, McGinnis, Leslie & Kirkland, PLLC, is one of the few area law firms equipped to provide targeted, strategic advice to companies about whom defamatory remarks are posted online. Our attorneys thoroughly understand the importance of establishing and maintaining a healthy online reputation. Our firm is committed to offering clear insight and building a realistic online reputation management strategy to combat negative campaigns against businesses in Kentucky and throughout the nation.
Examples of Internet Defamation
Generally speaking, defamation means issuing a false statement about a person or entity, which causes harm to the reputation and/or business interests of the defamed person. Defamation can take the form of slander (unrecorded, spoken defamation) or libel (defamation in a fixed medium, such as print or video). Most Internet defamation cases will involve libel. Some examples include:
- Making false accusations about a product or service
- Former employees blogging about their former employer in a defamatory way
- Dissatisfied customers posting defamatory statements on Yelp, Citysearch and other business-rating websites
Defamation left unchecked can threaten the viability of even an established business. Our legal team is highly skilled in Internet and media law, and we are dedicated to protecting the online interests of our clients.
Seeking Practical Solutions
The laws concerning defamation, especially online, are complex due to the intersection of longstanding legal principles with the First Amendment and with technological proliferation. The best course of action for a business will vary greatly depending on the circumstances of the case. Some disputes may be resolved by means of a letter from our office to the website owner demanding that the defamatory content be removed. In other cases, it may be appropriate to file a lawsuit to uncover the identity of the poster. Because of the anonymous nature of many Internet postings and the protections afforded to Internet Service Providers and Web hosts by the Communications Decency Act, it may not be economically feasible or wise to pursue a lawsuit of this nature.
Our attorneys have established a reputation for providing honest, practical advice. If the potential benefits of a lawsuit do not outweigh the costs, we advise our clients accordingly and pursue creative alternative resolutions to have the defamatory statements removed from the Web.
Take the First Step to Success
To discuss Internet defamation and the options that may exist to resolve your case and protect your business, call 866-218-5040 or contact our law firm online. With offices in Lexington, Louisville, Frankfort and Greenup, we serve clients throughout Kentucky and the United States.
