Protect your business reputation.
Has someone posted false claims about your business online? Sutton Laurence King Lawyers can review the post, explain your options, and act quickly to limit the harm.
Experienced
A dedicated reputation litigation team
Proven
We run and win matters in Victoria’s highest Courts
Versatile
We act for plaintiffs and defendants
Fast
Strict time limits apply and we move quickly
A false post keeps doing harm while it stays online. Customers see it. It can spread fast. Evidence can disappear if the post is edited or deleted. The time limit to take action can be as short as one year.
What counts as defamation?
In simple terms, three things usually need to be true.
It is about your business
The post names your business, or people can tell it is about your business.
Other people saw it
At least one other person read, watched or heard it. Online, that is easy to show.
It caused serious harm
The post lowered your reputation, and the harm to your business is serious.
Not every negative comment is defamation. A true statement, or a fair and honest opinion, may be allowed. We can tell you which side of the line a post sits on.
When a post is live, timing matters.
Our first job is practical. We work out what was posted, who posted it, where it appeared, who saw it, and how much time you have to act.
Review the post
We read the words, check the platform, and work out who is responsible. This can include the person who posted it, the owner of the page, and the website or platform.
Explain your options
We tell you whether it is defamation, whether your business can sue, what defences the other side might raise, and which other laws may help.
Act quickly
Where we can help, we ask for the post to be removed, send a formal warning letter, work towards a settlement, or start a court case.
Can a business sue for defamation?
Not every business can sue for defamation. The law has a size rule.
Small business
A business with fewer than 10 staff can usually sue.
Not-for-profit
A not-for-profit organisation can usually sue.
Larger business
A business with 10 or more staff usually cannot sue for defamation.
If your business cannot sue, you still have options
- The owners, directors or staff can often sue in their own names.
- Injurious falsehood can apply when someone tells lies to harm your business.
- Misleading or deceptive conduct can apply when a competitor makes false claims.
We work out the best path for your situation.
What a court can order.
The right outcome depends on your case. These are the main ones.
Removal
The post is taken down or hidden.
Correction
A correction or apology is published.
Money
Payment for the harm to your reputation.
Court order
An order to stop further posts.
Common problems we help with.
Online attacks on a business take many forms. If a false statement has harmed your name, we can help you respond.
- False or unfair Google reviews.
- A competitor spreading false claims.
- A former worker or contractor posting damaging statements.
- False posts in industry or community Facebook groups.
- Fake or anonymous accounts attacking your brand.
- Videos on TikTok, Instagram or YouTube that harm your reputation.
Before you do anything.
A few simple steps protect your position while you get advice.
- Take screenshots and save the links. Note the date and time.
- Do not delete the post or your own account. Keep the evidence.
- Do not reply in anger. A public reply can make things worse.
- Do not share the post further. That can spread the harm.
- Talk to us early. Time limits are short.
An established firm with a dedicated litigation team.
Sutton Laurence King Lawyers is a traditional Melbourne law firm. Our litigation team is experienced in defamation and reputation cases. We act for businesses and people across Australia.
Why that matters
Online attacks move fast and spread across many platforms. You need a firm that can handle the law, the evidence, the platforms, and the people involved. You do not need a call centre or a form letter.
- We act for businesses and for people.
- We deal with posters, page owners, group admins and platforms.
- We use warning letters, takedown requests and settlement talks.
- We keep you informed while the matter is live.
“Jackson at SLK Lawyers settled a defamation case for us promptly and was very informative along the way.”
Cases we have acted in.
We have acted in defamation cases that reached the courts and the media. We focus on the result our client needs.
Zuchowski v Howe
County Court of Victoria. This case concerned false comments that other people posted on a community Facebook page. The owner of the page was held responsible for those comments.
Singh Homes builder case
County Court of Victoria. False claims about a building company were posted on TikTok and Facebook. The court found the video, viewed about 220,000 times, was defamatory.
If the false posts target you personally, we have a separate page for individuals.
Questions business owners ask.
How long do I have to take action?
What is a concerns notice?
Can I take action against an anonymous account?
Can a platform be made to remove a post?
Should I reply to the post myself?
Do I have to go to court?
How much does it cost?
Send us the post.
Use the form to send us what you have. We will review it and tell you the next step. There is no cost to send the form.
What to include
- A link to the post, review or comment.
- A screenshot, in case it is changed or removed.
- The date you first saw it.
- The name or username of the person who posted it.
- The platform or website, and any group or page involved.
- Anything you have already done, such as a reply or a removal request.
Prefer to read first? Download our plain-English guide to social media defamation.
Urgent review request
Complete the form below and upload anything relevant.
Sending this form does not create a lawyer and client relationship, and no retainer begins. We act for you only after we agree in writing.
Has your business been accused of defamation?
Did your business receive a formal warning letter, called a concerns notice, or a letter of demand? You have a short time to respond. Send us the letter and the post. We will tell you quickly whether and how we can help.
For accountants, advisers and other lawyers
If your client’s business is under attack online, send the post and the key details. We will tell you quickly whether we can help.
Need urgent help with online defamation?
Call Sutton Laurence King Lawyers, or send us the post for review.