Am I allowed to publicly comment on negative reviews from my competitors?
May 24, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Sandra Bittner
Dear lawyer,
My name is Heike Gerdes and I have been running a small online shop for handmade products for several years. Lately, I have noticed that my competitors are increasingly posting negative reviews about my company. I believe these reviews are unfounded and are damaging my reputation on the internet.
I am wondering if it is legally allowed to publicly respond to these negative reviews from my competitors and present my point of view. I want to avoid making myself legally vulnerable, but I also feel obligated to defend myself against these unjust accusations.
I am concerned that my competitors may take legal action against me if I publicly respond to their reviews. Therefore, I am unsure of the best course of action and whether it is even legally permissible to respond to negative reviews from other companies.
Can you please help me and tell me if I am allowed to publicly comment on my competitors without having to fear legal consequences? Are there possibly alternative ways to handle this situation?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Heike Gerdes
Dear Mrs. Gerdes,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding negative reviews and how to respond without making yourself legally vulnerable. It is understandable that you are concerned about how to best handle this situation in order to protect your reputation online.
In general, it is allowed to respond to negative reviews and present your side of the story. However, there are some points to consider in order to avoid legal consequences. It is important to remain factual and polite, even if you feel unfairly treated. Avoid responding in a hostile or aggressive manner, as this could lead to further legal issues.
It is advisable to check the facts and potentially refute the negative reviews if they are unfounded. For example, you can objectively explain why the accusations are false and what measures you are taking to ensure customer satisfaction. This can help improve your reputation and reassure potential customers.
However, it is important to note that you must not make false claims about your competitors. Therefore, avoid spreading false information or making untrue statements, as this could have legal consequences.
Alternatively, you could try to engage in a dialogue with your competitors and find an out-of-court solution. Perhaps you can find a resolution together to settle the conflict and avoid future negative reviews.
Overall, it is legally permissible to respond to negative reviews from your competitors as long as you remain factual and check the facts. It is important to present your side of the story without making false claims. If you are unsure, I recommend seeking advice from a lawyer to minimize legal risks.
I hope this information helps you and wish you success in handling this situation.
Sincerely,
Sandra Bittner
Attorney specializing in competition law
