Attorneys Raees Mohamed and Daniel Warner are the founders of RM Warner Law, an Internet and Corporate law firm dedicated to serving e-commerce entrepreneurs, influencers, and online businesses all around the globe. Their practice areas include defamation law, Internet law, e-commerce law, advertising law, and corporate law, all with a focus on the entrepreneur.
As the Internet is constantly evolving, there are new issues that arise every day as platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and OnlyFans expose businesses and individuals to a host of online abuses. Fortunately, victims of online defamation or other online attacks are not helpless. “One of the most upsetting things about being in this industry is seeing that people don’t realize they have options to fight back,” says attorney Raees Mohamed. Together, he and attorney Daniel Warner have teamed up to give voice to any entrepreneur or influencer who has fallen victim to online abuse.
According to Mr. Mohamed and Mr. Warner, a client may have one or more options to combat their online defamation:
- They can do nothing
There is not always a legal option to stop online abuse. In some cases, the victim may be suffering bullying without defamation. Unless the perpetrator is spreading false information against their client, they may not have a legal means of stopping the behaviors. If this is the case, they won’t give clients a false sense of hope, but rather point them in the direction of a non-litigation resolution.
- They can send a cease-and-desist letter
In certain circumstances, a strongly worded cease-and-desist letter is effective in stopping the actions of an online harasser. The letter will clearly outline the unlawfulness of their behavior and explain the consequences if they do not stop their actions. Often, RM Warner will include additional stipulations within their letter, requiring the offender to issue an apology, delete the egregious content or pay damages.
- They can pursue dispute resolution through the website
The simplest and cheapest option may be an arbitration process through the website or platform if it’s offered. Some websites, like RipOffReport.com, have in-house dispute resolution processes that will require the client to fill out a few forms and jump through hoops to obtain a ruling that the information being spread about them is indeed defamatory and must be removed. RM Warner is prepared to guide clients through this process to ensure the best outcome.
- They can pursue litigation
While this is the most dramatic measure, it may be the only option in some cases. If the identity of the defamer is not known, they will enter into what is called a John Doe/Jane Doe lawsuit in which they will start by unveiling the persona behind the anonymous review or postings. After they’ve identified the individual, they’re ready to continue with the case or contact the poster and try to reach a resolution.
They may simply pursue an injunction, i.e., a court order that requires a person to cease doing a specific action. Some clients may opt for an injunction and sue for damages. Lastly, in some cases, they will simply sue for damages to cover any loss they suffered.
If you’ve found yourself a victim of online defamation, rest assured that you are not alone and that you have options. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit https://rmwarnerlaw.com/defamation-law/.
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