Legal Question in Technology Law in Massachusetts
Is a website containing work history and design portfolio considered advertiseme
I am a freelance designer who has been looking for a
permanent job ever since I was laid off 2 years ago. I
have a personal website that is www.my first and last
name (all one word).com. The purpose of my website
is to be able to show possible future employers my
design portfolio. I generally give the web address in my
cover letters when seeking employment so that
companies can see my work right then and there.
I recently received a letter from a company where I did
some contract work last year. The letter stated I am
using my website to advertise web design services and
in doing so I am using their company name for
advertising purposes. No where on my website does it
say I am offering web design services. It clearly lists
my work experience, education, and portfolio. The only
place their company appears is on my resume which is
a link from my website to a Word doc so that possible
employers can print it out if they need to.
In their letter, this company demands that I remove their
name from my resume. My understanding has always
been that as long as a person has done the work, they
are entitled to reflect that on their resume.
Any thoughts?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Is a website containing work history and design portfolio considered adverti
I don't see how a company can stop you from stating that you worked for them if it is true. You are not defaming them in any way, so I can't imagine that their stated position (that you are using them for advertising) would hold up in court.