I own a small business. If I put up a poster that says "Company X Sucks" could I be guilty of libel?

Question

In this case, Company X is a T1 provider with which I have had countless connection issues. I have swicthed providers, but Company X is seeking to charge me an outrageous cancellation fee. Therefore it is my opinion that Company X sucks and I would like to let others know in the form of a large poster that may or may not display their logo. My question is, would such a statement be considered free speach or could I be guilty of libel or illegally using a company's logo?

Answer 1

I would clarify on the sign that it is your opinion.
for example

"Company x did not give me the support I deserve"
Or "Company x in my opinion sucks"

Let them know it's your opinion. You can't be suid for stating your opinion. Well actually you can but they wouldn't win unless your in California.

Answer 2

I'm not a lawyer but I do know the difference between libel and slander (slander is oral, libel is written). You're taking a big risk here. You are not guilty of libel if your claims can be proven, but do you really want to take it to court? At the very least, your actions may be seen as mean-spirited by your own customers and you may alienate your own clientele.

There is a better way. Having been in business myself, I can assure you that word-of-mouth is both the best advertising - and the most damaging to your reputation - of any tool. By simply spreading the word about Company X at every opportunity, you may ultimately do them more harm than any poster could do... without associating yourself with the message.

Answer 3

I agree with the other answerer's - she must have insulted some of the formula feeders in the past. I nursed both of my kids. My daughter for 6 months, son for 10 months...then i had to start supplementing formula. I am proud of nursing my kids but i don't feel that i'm better than a formula feeder bc of it. We're all individuals with different circumstances. I feel that every mother should at least ATTEMPT to bf but if you try and it doesn't work out, you shouldn't make them feel bad. Breastfeeding is something to be proud of, but bragging about it is taking it too far.

Answer 4

Technically no. But there is no law that says that company x cannot take you to court over it. I would advise against especially if you cannot afford the cost of a legal fight. Company X may go to court just to drain your finances and thereby eliminate you as competition. Even if you win you will gain nothing financially.

That type of marketing is best left to deep pocket corporations who can afford to argue in court over in issue for moral victory. As a small businees owner focus on quality of service to generate repeate customers and to spread your praises through word of mouth.

Answer 5

i agree with most of the other posts.
by psting this sign " company x" could not only sue you for damages ( beause you could have reasonably decreased thier business, and cost them money), remember that in a civil court like this only a majority of the jurors have to believe that you could have cost them money, if that happens you could have to pay an exuberant amount of money depending on how promanant and large they are ( mening that if they make millions of dollars a day, you could have to pay millions in dammages)

i suggest posting a sign that supports your business rather that desmissing the other business, this would be a lot safer.

Answer 6

"Sucks" might work if you were describing a vacuum cleaner company.

You'd be better served by putting up a sign that said what happened without editorializing.

Answer 7

just think of why you are doing that . to express your opinion , or to get other people to see it and not use that company . sounds like slander to me

Answer 8

Maybe not libel... but slander.. I would check into before doing it!

Answer 9

It's your opinion so it cant be.

Answer 10

probably.