Protection of reputation, personal rights and press law in Poland
Reputation protection in Poland often requires a prompt but carefully measured response. An inaccurate article, an online review, a recording or a coordinated social media campaign may affect relationships with customers, employees and business partners. At the same time, an overbroad demand can increase public interest in the material instead of limiting its impact.
Tomasz Piotr Chudzinski & Partners Law Firm handles reputation matters for businesses, managers, doctors, creators, publishers and other people whose professional activity is subject to public scrutiny. We combine civil protection of personal rights with Polish press law, copyright and the rules governing online services. This makes it possible to select a remedy that fits the content, the author, the place of publication and the client’s practical objective.
We first establish exactly what was published, who can see it and what effect it is having. We then preserve evidence, assess unlawfulness and choose between pre-action correspondence, court proceedings, a request to an editor or a notice to an online platform.
Describe the publication or reputation problem
Who may need reputation protection in Poland
We assist, in particular:
- companies, family businesses and sole traders;
- board members, shareholders and managers;
- doctors, dentists and medical entities;
- creators, publishers, journalists and platform operators;
- public figures and recognised professional experts;
- people affected by a press article, recording or online publication;
- organisations preparing content with elevated legal risk.
Protected interests may include reputation, business standing, a person’s name, image, privacy, confidentiality of correspondence and a business name. In the case of a company, the available protection depends on the nature of the statement and the way in which it affects business activity.
Reputation protection in Poland: our services
Reviewing a publication and preserving evidence
We analyse the exact wording, context, headline, graphics, comments and method of distribution. We distinguish statements of fact from opinions. We also examine the possible legal basis for publication and whether the author or editor met the required standard of diligence.
At the same time, we plan how the evidence should be preserved. A simple screenshot may not show the date, reach, web address or full context. In urgent matters, the content, its accessibility and any subsequent changes should be documented before the author or administrator removes it.
Demands to remove, correct or cease publication
We prepare demands addressed to authors, editors, publishers, employers, service providers and platform administrators. Depending on the case, a demand may seek removal or correction, cessation of further publication, publication of a statement or preservation of relevant evidence.
The same letter is not suitable for every infringement. We first identify the correct recipient and the legal basis for responsibility. We then formulate a demand that can be implemented and that serves the client’s real objective.
Online reviews, employer-review platforms and GoWork
We handle false or unlawful reviews published on employer-review sites, business directories, search services and social media. Our work can include content assessment, a substantiated notice to the service provider, attempts to identify the author and proceedings against the responsible person where the evidence and law permit.
Not every critical review is unlawful. We separate legitimate opinion from false factual allegations, threats, unlawful disclosure of data, impersonation and coordinated campaigns. A responsible strategy may combine platform rules, civil claims and, in appropriate circumstances, data or criminal law remedies.
Press rectification and response to media publications
Polish press law provides a specific procedure for correcting inaccurate or false factual information. The application must comply with statutory requirements concerning its form, content, length and short deadlines. For that reason, the publication should be reviewed as soon as possible.
We prepare rectification requests, assess a refusal by the editor-in-chief and conduct the resulting court proceedings. In parallel, we consider whether civil claims for infringement of personal rights are appropriate. The two mechanisms serve different purposes and do not always need to be used together.
Interim injunctions and urgent court applications
If publication is imminent or the infringement is continuing to spread, we assess whether interim protection may be available. An application must identify the claim, the legal interest in protection and the precise form of the requested measure. It should not seek protection broader than the circumstances justify.
Before applying, we organise the evidence, explain the expected effect of publication and address the risks connected with the requested restriction. In urgent matters, we identify practical steps that can be taken before the full statement of claim is complete.
Personal rights claims and defence against claims
We represent claimants and defendants in proceedings concerning infringement of personal rights. Depending on the legal basis and evidence, remedies may include cessation, removal of effects, publication of an appropriate statement, monetary compensation, payment for a public-interest purpose or compensation for financial loss.
We also defend authors, editors, publishers and businesses accused of an unlawful publication. The defence may require examination of truth, public interest, editorial diligence, context, sources and the precise way in which the statement was framed.
Pre-publication review
Publishers, creators, platforms and communications teams can ask us to review an article, film, podcast or campaign before publication. We assess the risk of infringing reputation, image rights, privacy, copyright and press law.
We do not replace the editorial decision. We identify higher-risk passages, factual points that require documentation and possible changes that reduce legal exposure without depriving the material of its meaning.
Reputation during a commercial dispute
A shareholder dispute, termination of a contract or conflict with an employee may move into the public domain. Communications should then remain consistent with the litigation strategy. A public statement may later become evidence or disclose confidential information.
We coordinate reputation protection with commercial dispute proceedings and ongoing legal services for businesses. Where appropriate, we work with communications advisers under a clear and confidential allocation of responsibilities.
How a reputation matter begins
1. Initial assessment and urgency
The contact form should include the address of the publication, when it was discovered, the general nature of the infringement and the result sought. If publication is planned or a press-law deadline may expire, this should be clearly marked.
2. Preservation of the material
We determine how to preserve the full content, relevant metadata and information about distribution. At this stage, a public exchange with the author should be avoided until its possible effect on the case has been assessed.
3. Strategy and correct recipient
We decide whether the first step should be directed to the author, editor, publisher, platform or court. We also clarify whether the priority is rapid limitation of harm, factual correction, a statement, removal or a full claim.
4. Action and monitoring
We prepare the letter, platform notice or court filing and monitor the response and availability of the material. If the circumstances change, we update the strategy and preserve further evidence.
When to contact the Law Firm
Legal assessment is particularly useful when:
- an editor has sent questions before a planned publication;
- a false article, post, recording or series of comments has appeared;
- a service provider refuses to remove material despite a specific notice;
- a press rectification or court deadline is approaching;
- a publication reveals personal data, a trade secret or private correspondence;
- a commercial conflict has moved to the media or internet;
- the client receives a demand or claim concerning its own publication;
- a legal review is required before material is released.
Frequently asked questions
Can every negative online review be removed?
No. A critical opinion may be lawful if it remains within the limits of freedom of expression and is based on a real experience. Action may be justified by false factual statements, unlawful disclosure, threats, impersonation or a breach of the service’s rules.
What should be done immediately after discovering an unlawful publication?
Preserve the full content, address, date and context. Avoid spontaneous public responses until the first legal and communications step has been identified. The degree of urgency depends on the type of material and the applicable deadlines.
Is a press rectification the same as a personal rights claim?
No. A rectification addresses inaccurate or false information under a special press-law procedure. A personal rights claim concerns an unlawful threat to or infringement of a protected interest. The remedies may complement each other, but require separate analysis.
Do you also represent authors and publishers?
Yes, subject to the scope and a conflict check. We review material before publication and defend claims by examining sources, diligence, public interest, context and the documentation of the editorial process.
Can action be taken against an anonymous reviewer?
Anonymity makes the matter more difficult but does not always prevent action. We first examine the service, the information that can lawfully be preserved and the basis for disclosure or a claim. The next step depends on the type of infringement and the entity holding the data.
Do you need reputation protection in Poland?
Use the contact form to provide the address of the material, the date it was found, the publishing entity, the result sought and the nearest deadline. Do not send confidential case files before the conflict check. After the initial assessment, we will explain a secure way to provide the necessary material.
