Media & Reputation Management
Everybody's reputation is precious. At Payne Hicks Beach we specialise in managing and protecting our clients' reputations through our extensive experience in this area of the law and an intimate understanding of how the media and other publishers work. We act for a number of high-profile individuals dealing with reputational issues.
Our advice covers three broad areas of reputation management advice:
DEFAMATION
Defamation falls into two categories: libel which covers 'permanent' publications such as written allegations in newspapers, brochures, websites and blogs, or allegations broadcast on the television and radio; and slander, which covers spoken words or gestures.
Defamation laws exist to ensure that an individual, company or organisation can take action to vindicate their reputation if it is unjustly attacked. If you feel you have been libelled or slandered, we can help you restore your good name.
We have recently settled a case in a long-running dispute against a major airline for a defamation which was initially published internally within the organisation and was then widely re-published throughout the internet.
PRIVACY & MISUSE OF PRIVATE INFORMATION
The right to privacy is a fundamental protection to stop unwarranted and unwelcome intrusion into our private lives. Although we do not have a privacy law in the UK, the introduction of the Human Rights Act (which incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into our legislation) ensures that the law reflects the entitlement of every person, from every walk of life, to enjoy a private life.
The Intrusion into peoples' lives for private information can have devastating effects and this is where Payne Hicks Beach can help. We have vast experience of advising claimants on invasion of privacy and the misuse of private information and are adept at dealing with the media where privacy and misuse of private information are at stake.
By the nature of these claims it is difficult to provided examples of them. However, one which is in the public domain and in which we acted is Hirschfeld v McGrath [2011] EWHC 249 (QB). To read the full judgement, please click here.
BREACH OF CONFIDENCE
When information is shared in confidence, you expect it to remain confidential.
It can be damaging to your reputation when confidential information is disclosed to a third party. The law of confidence can be used to prevent information being disclosed, and to obtain compensation if information is disclosed unlawfully or a breach of confidentially occurs.
Examples of confidential information include employee records and medical records. However, it can also cover information that is personal such as private correspondence. The Court will apply what it calls 'an intense focus' on the facts of each individual case.
We have acted in numerous legal actions involving breach of confidence and are able to advise on the best course of action depending on the individual circumstances of each case.