Legal Question in Business Law in New Jersey

Business Slandering

I have been in business for 5 years and now a new competitor is opening. Known rumors are circulating that my company is going out of business and business should not be done with my company. According to numerous people, these rumors stem from the owner of the new business. I have incurred financial loss due to this falsehood. What steps should I take and should I file a lawsuit?


Asked on 9/14/07, 1:01 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Daniel Cevallos Cevallos & Wong, LLP

Re: Business Slandering

Do you have PROOF of the rumors and falsehoods? If so, you may have a case.

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Answered on 9/14/07, 1:45 pm
Daniel Pepper Pepper Law Group, LLC

Re: Business Slandering

In addition to the last attorney's answer, I would ask if you have any evidence that that the owner of the new business is generating these falsehoods. If so, and you are able to connect your losses to the slanderous comments, you may have a cause of action.

If not, but you reasonably believe that the comments are coming from the business owner, a strongly worded letter to the owner advising him of your concerns and suspicions may not be a bad idea.

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Answered on 9/14/07, 1:50 pm
John Corbett Corbett Law Firm LLC

Re: Business Slandering

There are two issues here - one business and one legal. First, you need to stop the campaign of misinformation about your business. Frequently, a well-worded letter from a lawyer will solve that problem immediately. Many people don't realize that they are committing an actionable civil offense by spreading false rumors about a business. Once you have that under control, you hand your lawyer can determine if there is enough proof of liability and damages to warrant a suit. Sometimes there is the possibility of gathering evidence along the way.

You should contact a lawyer who can help you keep your business healthy. My firm handles matters of this type. If I can be of further help to you, call or email.

See also: http://info.corbettlaw.net/lawguru.htm

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Answered on 9/14/07, 2:03 pm


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