Legal Question in Business Law in Illinois

Internet - Web Site

My Industry has a lot of Deadbeats when it comes time to paying their bills. Can I start a website for my industry where all of the companies list their deadbeat customers?


Asked on 10/18/03, 3:46 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

John Pembroke John J. Pembroke & Associates LLC

Re: Internet - Web Site

Of course you can. There are at least three companies that do so for retail debtors, and at least one business credit reporter, Dun & Brandstreet. However, falsly reporting someone's credit history can expose the publisher to a cause of action for libel, slander and/or tortious interference with an existing or prospective business relationship. You should get all of these issues addressed before proceeding.

Our comments are based on treating your question as a hypothetical. Accordingly, our comments could be substantially and materially different were we advised of all of the relevant facts and circumstances. Our comments are by necessity general in nature, and should not be relied upon in taking or forgoing action in your circumstances without retaining an attorney. In order to fully explore your legal matter, you should meet with us or another attorney and bring to any such meeting all relevant documents and correspondence, and any other relevant facts.

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As you are aware, in Illinois there are various deadlines for filing a complaint, filing an answer to a complaint, or taking other action in order to preserve your legal rights, and avoid a complete loss of those rights. You should retain counsel immediately in order to be fully advised of your rights, and to be fully informed of the applicable time period within which those rights must be asserted. If you were to delay in doing so, it might result in your potential cause of action being forever barred.

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Answered on 10/20/03, 10:45 am


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