Chinese company BYD has successfully defended its reputation in court: the court of first instance found several online accounts guilty of spreading false information about the electric vehicle manufacturer. The total compensation amounted to 2 million yuan, which is approximately equivalent to 285 thousand US dollars. The decision reflects the completion of the initial stage of the trial and sets a precedent for protecting corporate reputation on the Internet.
According to data published by BYD's legal department and posted on Sina, the case concerned the accounts Long Ge Talks Electric Cars and Full Battery New Energy. The court found that these profiles were used to fabricate false information about the company. As representatives of BYD emphasized, such publications directly damaged both the brand's reputation and the image of the products on the market.
The court's decision provides for the immediate cessation of illegal activities by the defendants. They are obliged to remove or refute all materials containing false statements, as well as pay financial compensation in the amount determined by the court. The media did not disclose the specific texts or platforms on which the false information was published, but the court decision established the fact of reputational damage.
Experts note that the decision of the court of first instance records the final result of the initial consideration, but it is not yet known whether the defendants will appeal. Thus, the outcome of the case represents the completion of the initial stage, and the final decision may be reviewed in a higher instance.
BYD's legal department emphasized that the company respects criticism and public control, but at the same time emphasizes that the dissemination of false information carries legal responsibility. BYD declares its intention to continue to protect its rights and interests, using legal mechanisms against insults, rumors or slander. This approach has been actively covered by leading Chinese financial and technology publications.
BYD's Brand and Public Relations Director General Li Yunfei noted that there is a fundamental difference between objective criticism and deliberate attacks on reputation. His comments underscore the company's internal position: constructive criticism is welcome, while misinformation and libel will not go unanswered.
As a result, the court of first instance officially found the defendants guilty of damaging BYD's reputation and awarded the company financial compensation. This case serves as a clear example of how large companies protect their interests in the digital environment, establishing a legal framework for liability for false information on the Internet.
