Rise in business libel cases

Businesses are increasingly using courts to defend their reputation, according to new figures released by legal publisher Sweet & Maxwell.

According to the figures, the number of defamation cases being brought to courts by companies increased from 59 to 78 in the last year.

However, with the majority of cases being settled privately before they reach court the actual number of cases is substantially higher.

"All kinds of litigation increase in a downturn and libel is no different. Business are more likely to sue to protect their reputation when times are tough in the same way as they are more likely to sue to recover money they are owed," said Emma Woollcott, a libel specialist at law firm Mishcon de Reya.

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