How can I defend myself against defamation by a competitor?
January 10, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Sandra Bittner
Dear Competition Law attorney,
I am reaching out to you because I am in urgent need of help. My name is Andreas Schlattmann and I am the owner of a small business specializing in the sale of handmade jewelry. In recent weeks, I have noticed that my main competitor is systematically spreading rumors that reflect poorly on my company. These damaging accusations have already led to a decrease in my sales numbers and I am seriously concerned about the future of my business.
The current situation is that my competitor is actively trying to damage my reputation and harm my business. I have already tried to address this directly with him, but he is ignoring my requests and continues to make defamatory statements unabated. I am desperate and do not know how to defend myself against this defamation.
So my question to you is: How can I effectively defend myself against this defamation by my competitor? What legal steps can I take to protect my business and restore my reputation? Are there ways to obtain a temporary injunction or cease and desist order to stop the defamatory statements of my competitor?
I request your expert advice and support in this difficult situation. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Andreas Schlattmann
Dear Mr. Schlattmann,
Thank you for your trust and your inquiry regarding the defamation by your competitor. I am sorry to hear that you are facing this situation. Defamation can be a serious problem for companies as it can damage the trust of customers and ultimately lead to loss of revenue.
In your case, there are various legal steps you can take to defend yourself against the defamation by your competitor. Firstly, you should collect and document all defamatory statements and rumors. It is important to have concrete evidence of the defamation to support your legal claims.
One possible measure you can take is to apply for a temporary injunction. With a temporary injunction, you can legally prevent your competitor from continuing to spread defamatory statements about your company. This is a fast and effective way to stop the defamation and protect your company.
Furthermore, you can also demand a cease and desist declaration from your competitor. In a cease and desist declaration, your competitor commits to refraining from further damaging your reputation. If they violate this declaration, further legal steps can be taken.
It is also advisable to consult a competition law attorney to represent your legal interests. An experienced attorney can provide comprehensive advice and help you develop the best strategy to defend your company.
In conclusion, it is important to act quickly to contain the defamation and restore the reputation of your company. I hope that my response could assist you in this difficult situation. Please do not hesitate to contact me for further questions or for a personal consultation.
Yours sincerely,
Sandra Bittner
Competition Law Attorney
