Friday, July 11, 2025

Defamation Lawyers

Disclosure and discovery
Obtaining disclosure from Instagram Defamation on Tatte.Life Defamation on Facebook Twitter defamation case

Business defamation
10 things you must know to protect yourself from online defamation Can you sue for a defamatory job reference Company liability for defamation by employee Defamation against a business

Legal action for defamation
How to draft a cease and desist letter in defamation 7 Questions About Defamation You Should Ask Before Filing a Claim For Defamation Defamation in online newspaper Average payout for defamation of character in the UK

Latest defamation law updates

Company Defamation

Legal support for companies facing defamation

As many business owners know, false and damaging statements can spread rapidly, leading to company defamation cases that can harm a business’s reputation. These harmful comments can result in financial losses, damage to the brand, and legal battles. Company defamation happens when someone makes false or malicious statements that hurt a business's reputation, and this issue has become more common in recent years.

How can companies sue for defamation in the UK?

In the UK, when false statements are made with the intent to damage a company’s reputation, legal action can be taken. However, proving defamation can be challenging. The effects of defamation can go beyond just harming a company’s image—it can affect relationships, business opportunities, and even the well-being of those involved.

Defamation can lead to a loss of trust from customers and partners, making recovery difficult. If you believe your company has been defamed, it’s important to seek advice from an experienced defamation solicitor before taking any legal steps. Defamation cases can be complex, especially when the person responsible claims a defence, such as truth or reasonable belief. In these cases, the defendant must prove that the statement is true. This defence can be hard to establish, as it requires solid evidence. Even if a statement seems defamatory, it may not be actionable if the defendant successfully argues a defence.

Companies must prove financial harm in defamation cases

For a company to win a defamation case, it must prove that the defamatory statements caused financial harm. This requirement is specific to companies, unlike sole traders or partnerships. To prove financial harm, a company must show a direct link between the defamatory remarks and actual financial losses. This might involve presenting financial records, such as sales data, profit margins, and any changes in customer behaviour after the defamatory statements were made. Expert testimony from financial professionals can also help show the financial impact of defamation. Smaller companies, especially those that rely heavily on online business, may find it easier to prove financial harm.

Courts may infer serious financial damage if the nature of the business suggests that even a small loss of customers due to defamation could significantly affect the company's bottom line. In such cases, the court may not require a full financial audit, which can be both costly and time-consuming. Regardless of the company's size, it’s important to show that the financial harm resulted directly from the defamatory statements and not from other factors or market conditions. If your company has been the target of online defamation, it’s a good idea to document any instances where customers or potential clients mention the defamation as their reason for not doing business with you.

Following up with those who chose to go elsewhere and recording their reasons can also help build your case. While legal action can help address defamation, companies should carefully consider the potential costs and stresses of going to court. Legal battles can be time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally draining. The decision to pursue legal action should not be taken lightly, as it involves facing a judge, jury, and possibly the defendant in a public setting.

Strategies to protect your company's reputation

Preventing defamation of a business is often easier than dealing with its consequences. To protect your company's reputation, it’s important to be proactive and prepared. Start by keeping a strong online presence and regularly monitoring what’s being said about your business. By keeping an eye on reviews, social media, and other platforms, you can catch negative statements early and address them before they escalate. Building strong relationships with your customers can also help protect against defamation.

When customers trust your business, they are less likely to believe or spread false statements. Engaging with your audience, responding to feedback, and showing that you value their opinions can create loyalty and a positive image that is harder to damage. It’s also helpful to have a crisis management plan ready. If defamatory statements arise, being prepared allows you to act quickly. This might involve having a clear communication strategy, addressing the false claims publicly, and knowing when and where to seek legal help and expert PR support. Transparency and honesty in your business practices can also help reduce the impact of false claims.

Having legal advisors on board is another key strategy. With legal experts ready to act and advise on short notice, you can respond quickly to any defamation threats. At Cohen Davis, for a small monthly fee, you can have access to reputation and defamation law specialists on demand. Many of our clients find this service valuable, as it often complements their in-house PR or customer service teams. Finally, don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you find yourself facing defamation. Consulting with legal experts early on can help you navigate the situation and protect your business from further harm. Being prepared and vigilant can go a long way in safeguarding your company's reputation in a world where information spreads quickly and reputations can be affected in an instant.

10 things you must know to protect yourself from online defamation

Disgruntled employees pose severe risks to employers' reputations and businesses

Online defamation by former employees is a growing issue for organisations. It has become a rampant problem in the workplace and, unfortunately, many current or former employees abuse their positions by spreading false information and damaging reputations. While it can be difficult to control what others say about you online, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from this type of defamation.
Can you sue for a defamatory job reference

What to do if your former employer wrote a defamatory job reference

An employer’s reference can make or break a job candidate. A good reference can attest to a candidate’s skills and qualifications, while a bad reference can damage their chances of getting the job. If your former employer has provided a defamatory reference, there are a few things you can do.
Company liability for defamation by employee

Are companies liable for defamatory comments posted by employees?

In this case study, we examine the concept of vicarious liability in defamation, where employers can be held accountable for their employees' defamatory actions if these occur within the scope of employment. We focus on the legal precedents, particularly the case of Paul Britton and Origin Design, where an employee's misuse of company resources for defamation resulted in significant legal repercussions for both the individual and the company. This study highlights the conditions under which a company may be liable and provides strategies for businesses to protect themselves from similar reputational risks.
Defamation against a business

Helping You Navigate Defamation Claims: Protecting Your Small Business and Reputation

Defamation can significantly impact your business, especially when you're working hard to build your reputation and client base. Small businesses, in particular, face unique challenges when it comes to defamation claims—whether the defamatory remarks target your company or you personally as a director or owner. Let’s explore how we assist our clients in navigating these challenges, particularly under the Defamation Act 2013, and help them overcome some of the legal hurdles they may face.
Defamation and harassment in the music industry

Defamation following the breakup of a music band

This study explores a defamation case involving a talented musician who served as the lead solo guitar player for a prominent band from 2013 to 2018. The case details the challenges faced when our client was abruptly dismissed from the band, followed by a series of defamatory actions and public accusations made by the band's leader. These events not only impacted our client's professional reputation but also took a significant toll on his personal life and mental well-being. This case serves as a crucial example of the importance of timely legal intervention in defamation cases, especially in an industry where public image and reputation are paramount.
Defamation Solicitors

About Defamation Lawyers Cohen Davis

Who We Are

We are the first and most experienced Internet Law firm in the UK. Our law firm, Cohen Davis, specialises in social media law and is renowned for demystifying complex, technical legal issues into easily understandable terms for clients, adversaries, and courts. We know the internet inside-out and the back-end of it, allowing us to quickly determine the cause of certain issues and successfully handle online defamation. The firm was founded in 2012 by Yair Cohen, who by that time already had a decade of experience as a coder and a lawyer, handling defamation law and other Internet Law-related legal issues.
How to draft a cease and desist letter in defamation

An effective defamation cease and desist letter
How to handle online defamation

If you have been the victim of defamation online, read on. This guide was written for you
Internet defamation business risk management

A strategic approach to managing online defamation: A quick guide

Below, we have put together a simple guide just for you, designed to help you navigate the common challenges of online defamation. Whether you’re dealing with a tough review, false accusations, or harmful comments, this guide will walk you through the steps to assess the situation, explore your options, and develop a plan that works best for you. I’m here to offer practical advice and support to help you protect your reputation and move forward with confidence.
Removing fake TrustPilot reviews

Case study: Defamation on TrustPilot

This case study explores the growing mistrust in TrustPilot's review system due to its lack of transparency and potential biases. We examine a medical practice targeted by defamatory reviews, highlighting the challenges faced and the legal strategies used to combat them, while offering practical advice for businesses in similar situations.
Social Media Defamation

How to successfully battle defamation on social media

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re dealing with the frustration and hurt that comes with being a victim of social media defamation. It’s a tough spot to be in, and the impact can be overwhelming. But before you let it consume you, remember: you have options, and you are not alone. At Cohen Davis, we’ve worked with many individuals who have found themselves in similar situations, and we’ve seen first-hand how daunting it can feel. However, through our experience, we’ve learnt that there are effective strategies to address social media defamation and protect your reputation. Solutions vary depending on the case and the circumstances.

In some instances, it may involve direct communication with the perpetrator, while in others, engaging with the social media company might be necessary. There are also situations where obtaining subpoenas and disclosure orders is required, or even used to send a clear message to the individual defaming you, not directly, but indirectly through the social media platform, which will in most cases pass on details of our intention to proceed with legal action unless the defamatory posts are removed.

In more severe cases, filing claims against a known or unknown person becomes the best course of action. Social media defamation is not something you should live with or accept. There are very few law firms whose sole speciality is the internet and social media. Based on our experience, in the vast majority of social media defamation cases, we can help bring it to a successful end. It is essential to seek legal advice and maintain a strategy that works. Having a clear plan in place ensures that you stay focused and proactive, giving you the best chance to resolve the situation effectively.

At Cohen Davis, we believe that you’re stronger than this situation. We’ve seen clients face social media defamation and come out stronger on the other side. By taking proactive steps, seeking the right support, and focusing on solutions, you can navigate this challenge and protect your reputation. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. There are paths to resolution, and help is available when you need it.
What to do if someone is defaming your business online

How to deal with online defamation by a competitor

It is getting progressively more challenging for legitimate businesses to protect their online reputation against illegitimate defamation posts. However, there is still plenty that every business can do to protect its online reputation from internet defamation.