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In the current and competitive business environment, reputation is among the most important assets of a firm. One wrong word can ruin the customer confidence, ruin relationships and destroy the long-time-built goodwill.

Regrettably, competitor defamation, which is the slandering of a competitor business in order to have an unfair edge over the opponent, is becoming a rather frequent thing, particularly in the digital age. Knowing your rights and knowing how to react to it is all that could have helped save your business and bring your image back to normal.

What Is Competitor Defamation?

Defamation is the wrongful statement of fact which leads to the damage of the reputation of another individual. When it occurs in a business situation, i.e. a competitor publishing defamatory statements about your goods, services, or character, it has been referred to as business defamation or trade libel.

In order to demonstrate defamation warning signs, you need to usually demonstrate that:

• The competitor also stated a false assertion of fact (not just an opinion).
• The statement was issued or shared with other people.
• The assertion was damaging to your business or image.
• The competitor also was at least negligent or malicious as per the circumstances.

Some of such examples are, posting of false reviews by a competitor on the internet, sending misleading e-mails to your customers or making derogatory statements in your marketing publications.

Widely used types of Competitor Defamation

False Online Reviews: Fake 1-star reviews, negative reviews, or made up complaints and cruel intentions to make potential customers leave.

Misrepresentative Advertisement: Competitors can falsely draw some comparison or suggest that your business is somehow involved in unethical activity.

Social Media Smear Campaigns: Viral posts or videos that are spreading false information about your brand.

Rumor-Mongering: The statements of word of mouth or emails to suppliers, partners, or client that harm your credibility.

Some of the other competitors may be within the fair marketing strategies, and others might be on the other side of the legal line and when they step there, you are free to take action.

What to do in case you fall under the victim of Defamation

Document Everything

The most important and urgent measure is the gathering of evidence. Make copies of screen shots, take email copies and make notes of the dates and time of the appearance of the defamatory material. You will need to be documented in case you choose to take legal action.

Avoid Emotional Responses

It is quite natural to be angry, but lashing out will only aggravate things, being impulsive or notorious. Be professional and leave your response through your legal staff.

Order Recession or Dissolution

Other instances require a cease and desist letter to be filed by your lawyer and the issue can be sorted out in no time. Google, Yelp and Facebook platforms also have processes of eliminating false or defamatory messages after they are confirmed.

Engage Legal Counsel Early

With a business defamation lawyer, you are able to evaluate the strength of your case and make the most appropriate decision in this regard and possibly it may be negotiation, mediation or a court battle.

Introduce a Defamation Lawsuit

In case of the serious damage, a lawsuit can be required. The law will help by providing monetary damages to recover your money back, injunctions to prevent harm and retractions in the press to mend your reputation.

Goodwill: Protecting Your Online Reputation.

In addition to legislative solutions, outlook reputation management is a must. Post positive news and support legit reviews and be open with your clients to earn trust again.

Avoiding Future Defamation

You can not always control the actions of other people but you can reduce your risk by:

• Keeping check on your brand and online presence.
• Ensuring good PR and communication measures.
• Upholding proper marketing ethics.
• Professionally and timely responding to misinformation.