In a world where we see branding and image as the key to commercial success, defamatory statements about your business can decimate it. Individuals too can have their reputation destroyed by libellous or slanderous comments. Often you need to act quickly to curtail the effects of harmful comment. But how can you start legal action if you don’t know the identity of the person who actually made the comments?
The proliferation of user-generated content on online forums, review sites, message boards and chatrooms means the problem of defamatory comments made by unknown individuals is increasingly common.
Our defamation, libel and slander solicitors act regularly in cases where the identity of the wrongdoer is unknown. We have a great track record in successfully getting defamatory material removed or retracted from both online and traditional media as well as obtaining damages for clients.
We address defamatory material in a variety of ways such as:
Sometimes there are other, more effective ways of dealing with anonymous defamatory comments. For example, we regularly assist commercial clients in proactively tackling negative online reviews about their businesses. By carefully drafting and publishing rebuttals that forensically undermine anything that is defamatory the original damage can often be undone. In our experience, this approach can have just as much impact as more formal legal action.
These cases are rarely straightforward, so it makes sense to get clarity on your legal position before devoting resources to defending or making a claim. Because we act regularly for claimants and defendants in libel and slander actions, we are able to anticipate the approach the other side is likely to take. Contact us on 0203 983 8278 or online for advice.