What is commercial defamation in Loudoun County?

Commercial defamation occurs when false statements are made about a business with the intent to harm its reputation, often referred to as business libel or slander.

Can I sue someone for writing a false online review?

Yes. If the review contains false statements of fact and damages your business reputation or income, we can file a defamation lawsuit and seek removal and compensation.

What do I have to prove in a business defamation case?

You must prove the statement was false, communicated to others, about your business, caused harm, and was made with negligence or malicious intent.

Can I take legal action if a competitor lies about my company?

Absolutely. We regularly litigate defamation cases against competitors who spread false claims to hurt sales or reputation.

Is business defamation considered libel or slander?

Written statements like online posts or articles are libel. Spoken falsehoods are slander. Both are actionable in Virginia business defamation cases.

Can I sue if the person who defamed me is anonymous?

Yes. We can issue subpoenas to uncover anonymous posters or reviewers and hold them accountable in court.

What damages can I recover in a defamation lawsuit?

You may recover lost revenue, reputational harm, emotional distress, punitive damages, and legal fees depending on the impact of the false statement.

Do you offer emergency legal action to stop defamation?

Yes. We can send cease-and-desist letters or file injunctions to stop further spread of the defamatory content immediately.

Can I make them issue a public retraction?

In many cases, yes. We often include retraction or correction as part of settlement negotiations or court orders.

Does intent matter in a business defamation case?

Yes. Proving malice or reckless disregard for the truth can strengthen your claim and increase potential damages.

Is it still defamation if it’s just an opinion?

Pure opinion is protected, but false statements of fact disguised as opinion may still qualify as defamation under Virginia law.

How long do I have to file a business defamation claim in Virginia?

You generally have one year from the date the false statement was published to file a defamation lawsuit in Virginia.

Will my case be public if I sue for defamation?

Yes, lawsuits are part of public record. However, we can file motions to seal sensitive documents and protect your reputation throughout the case.

Do you represent individuals and companies?

Yes. I represent both businesses and business owners harmed by commercial defamation in Loudoun County.

Do you personally handle these defamation cases?

Yes. I personally manage every case from investigation to litigation. When your reputation is on the line, you need an attorney who fights like it’s personal.

Civil Litigation Loudoun County

Your Reputation Is the Lifeblood of Your Business—Don’t Let Lies Destroy It

by ShinLaw

By Anthony I. Shin, Esq. | Civil Litigation & Real Estate Disputes | Shin Law Office

Business Defamation Lawyer Loudoun County, VA | Reputation Protection

In business, your name is everything.

A single false review, an untrue social media post, or a competitor’s smear campaign can cost you contracts, clients, and credibility.

I’m Anthony I. Shin, a commercial litigation attorney in Loudoun County, and I don’t let lies go unchallenged.

I help business owners fight back with strategic defamation lawsuits that hold bad actors accountable and protect their hard-earned reputation.

What Is Commercial Defamation?

Commercial defamation, also known as business libel or slander, happens when someone intentionally spreads false statements that damage your company’s reputation.

That includes:

False accusations about fraud, ethics violations, or illegal activity
Misleading online reviews written by competitors or ex-employees
Social media posts designed to stir public backlash
Fake news stories or articles created to harm your credibility
Verbal statements made to clients, vendors, or the public with the intent to cause harm

If someone knowingly made a false statement of fact that hurts your business, I can take legal action on your behalf.

How I Prove Defamation in Loudoun County Courts

To win a defamation case, we must prove:

The statement was false
It was published or communicated to others
It was about your business or brand
It caused actual or presumed harm
The speaker knew or should have known it was false

I build these cases with digital forensics, testimony, and evidence of financial loss or reputational harm.

In commercial defamation, malicious intent can result in punitive damages.

Who Can Be Sued for Business Defamation?

I’ve filed commercial defamation suits against:

Competitors running negative campaigns
Former employees making false claims
Anonymous online reviewers traced to rival companies
Industry insiders spreading false information
Journalists or bloggers who fail to verify facts

If someone has weaponized falsehoods against your business, I can expose the source and pursue financial and injunctive relief.

How I Protect Your Brand and Bottom Line

Defamation cases are about more than revenge.

They’re about correcting the record, protecting your future, and restoring trust.

My strategy includes:

Emergency cease-and-desist letters
Lawsuits demanding removal and retraction
Public clarification or corrections
Financial compensation for lost revenue
Long-term monitoring and legal protection for future threats

“When someone attacks your business with lies, you have two options: stay silent—or fight back. I make sure your side of the truth is heard in court.”
— Anthony I. Shin, Esq.

Serving Loudoun County’s Most Reputable Companies

From Leesburg to Ashburn, I represent a diverse range of clients, including contractors, tech firms, healthcare providers, restaurants, real estate agencies, and more.

Whether you’re facing Yelp review bombs, false news articles, or targeted competitor campaigns—I’ll defend your good name like it’s my own.