Business defamation—also known as business disparagement, business and commercial disparagement, or trade libel—is a claim or cause of action for damages that may be made by a business when another person or entity has defamed the business—usually by making untrue statements of fact, whether spoken (slander) or written (libel), that damage the business.

Business defamation laws vary from state to state but the elements of a business defamation claim are generally:

• the defendant published false and disparaging information about the plaintiff;

• the defendant published the words with malice;

• the defendant published the words without privilege; and

• the publication caused special damages.

Special damages are economic damages, such as lost income.

And if the plaintiff proves the defendant published false, disparaging information, and caused the plaintiff to suffer actual damages, the plaintiff is also entitled to recover exemplary damages from the defendant.

Business defamation laws may be located in a state’s statutes or in its court opinions (common law or case law).

In South Carolina, business defamation, also known as trade libel or business disparagement, is a tort that allows a business to seek damages for false statements that harm its reputation or financial standing. The elements of a business defamation claim in South Carolina typically include the publication of false and disparaging information about the business, publication with malice, lack of privilege, and the occurrence of special damages, which refer to economic losses such as lost income. South Carolina law requires that the plaintiff prove actual malice when the business is a public figure or the statement involves a matter of public concern. If a plaintiff successfully proves that false and disparaging information was published and caused actual damages, they may also be entitled to recover exemplary (punitive) damages. These laws are derived from both state statutes and common law (court opinions). It is important for businesses considering a defamation claim to consult with an attorney to understand the specific requirements and nuances of South Carolina law.