Want to stay current on e–commerce law? Sign up for Email Newsletter.
British Libel Case over Internet Postings Settles
Ten days after commencing his U.K. case for libel and invasion of privacy, Sir Martin Sorrell has reached a settlement with Marco Benatti and Marco Tinelli, executives of FullSix Spa. Sorrell, along with Ms. Daniela Weber, both of whom are executives of the advertising group WPP, had claimed that Benatti and Tinelli launched an Internet campaign against them. Their claims have ended in a settlement, which will include payment of £100,000.00 to Sir Martin in compensation for the publication of libel. In addition, £30,000.00 and £20,000.00 will be paid to Ms. Weber and Sir Martin, respectively, for the distribution of offending emails.
The parties released a joint public statement in which Sorell agrees that neither Mr. Benatti nor Mr. Tinelli are personally liable. In the statement, the FullSix executives continue to insist that the allegations made in Sorell’s suit are untrue. Despite these words, Sir Martin has stated out of court, that he has evidence that the complained of emails originated from FullSix computers. Benatti and Tinelli maintain that the settlement is simply due to a decision that their energies would be best directed towards running their business rather than proceeding with the trial.
For additional information, visit: