Purplebricks, the online estate agency, recently won a court ruling against C4J, a property management company, in a case related to a “publicity stunt”. The case was heard in the High Court of Justice in London.
The dispute arose when C4J sent a letter to Purplebricks’ customers claiming that the company was “not fit for purpose” and that its services were “not up to scratch”. Purplebricks took legal action against C4J, claiming that the letter was part of a “publicity stunt” designed to damage its reputation.
The High Court found in favour of Purplebricks, ruling that C4J had engaged in “unlawful and malicious conduct” and had acted “in bad faith”. The court also ordered C4J to pay Purplebricks’ legal costs and damages.
The ruling is significant as it sets a precedent for companies who engage in similar conduct. It sends a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated and that companies must take responsibility for their actions.
Purplebricks CEO, Michael Bruce, welcomed the ruling, saying: “We are delighted with the outcome of this case and the clear message it sends out to others who may be tempted to engage in similar activities. We will continue to take all necessary steps to protect our reputation and the interests of our customers.”
This case highlights the importance of companies taking responsibility for their actions and respecting the rights of others. It is also a reminder that businesses should be aware of the potential consequences of engaging in activities which could damage the reputation of another company.