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Damaging factual allegations, unlawful image publication and unlawful reviews require careful classification. Freedom of expression must be weighed against personality rights.

What we examine

  • Preserve the wording, context, distribution channel and author details.
  • Distinguish factual allegations from opinions and assess evidence of truth.
  • Consider removal, injunctions, rights of reply or other remedies according to the medium and facts.

Key legal considerations

A negative review is not unlawful simply because it harms business. Invented customer experiences or false allegations may be challengeable. Platform complaints and direct claims against an author follow different routes.

Illustrative practical example

A review alleges a customer interaction that the business cannot identify. After preserving the wording and profile, a specific investigation of the claimed interaction is requested through the platform.

Documents for the review

Complete screenshots, URLs, publication dates, correspondence and evidence about the alleged events.

Advice and next steps

horak. advises businesses, self-employed professionals and organisations on defending and enforcing claims. We discuss the facts, options, deadlines and fee basis with you. Our head office is in Hannover and we advise clients throughout Germany.

First steps · Undertakings · Court proceedings

Legal source: Official legislation. The assessment depends on the individual case.

Related guidance

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