Reputation management is critical for successful businesses. Company leaders often have specialized employees who monitor reviews and consumer posts online to protect against inaccurate and negative digital chatter.
Social media platforms and various websites, as well as industry-specific apps/websites, allow consumers to leave reviews of businesses that they have previously patronized. Sometimes, frustrated consumers may leave negative reviews to warn others about their experiences. Reviews can also be fabrications left by competitors trying to manipulate the market.
Is it possible to take legal action when online reviews come from other businesses, not actual customers?
Falsified reviews could constitute a business tort
Commercial litigation is an option in cases where one party breaches a contract or causes harm to a business. Intentional business defamation, also known as commercial disparagement, could unfairly impact a business’s reputation.
Especially in cases where social media or IT professionals can connect the reviews to a competing business or its employees, it may be possible to take legal action in response to the spread of inaccurate, negative information about a company. Generally speaking, disparagement or defamation must involve inaccurate statements and an intent to harm the other party.
Fabricating or exaggerating claims against a business can manipulate consumer opinion, leading to a decline in revenue. Successful defamation lawsuits can result in the removal of the negative statements made about a company or even an award of damages to compensate the organization for the harm caused by the defamation.
Reviewing negative reviews and other documentation with a skilled legal team can help business leaders fight back against conduct that could damage their organizations. A business lawsuit can help a company limit the damage caused by inaccurate negative reviews and hold their underhanded competitors accountable for their questionable digital conduct.
