Are “Non-Disparagement” clauses enforceable?

Business woman signing contract in reference to disparagement clause

What is a non-disparagement clause? 

“Disparage” has been defined by dictionaries and U.S. Courts as “bringing discredit or reproach upon, to dishonour, discredit; to lower in credit or esteem”, “to depreciate by indirect means”. 

Companies use non-disparagement clauses to make sure their customers, former employees, contractors, etc. do not discredit the company online, which would cause damage to the company’s reputation and business. Simply put, a person who signs a non-disparagement clause cannot say negative things about the company. This includes publishing negative comments in the press or the media, or any other material, in written or electronic format, publicly talking negatively about the company, in speeches, interviews, or public statements regarding the company’s operations, clients, employees, product, and services.  

Disparagement differs from defamation, as defamation applies to false statements. Disparagement applies to statements that are true: the company wants to protect itself from bad publicity, even if the facts depicted by the person disparaging the company are true. 

Who can make you sign a non-disparagement clause? 

Usually, an employer can make you sign a non-disparagement clause with your employment contract or with your termination contract. In both cases, it protects the company if the employee leaves his job: he won’t be able to publicly criticize the company. 

Customers are protected by the law, therefore companies cannot prohibit a customer to The Consumer Review Fairness Act of 2016 protects consumers who post negative reviews, online, in the newspapers, etc. It prohibits companies from including non-disparagement provisions in form agreements (general terms of sale, terms and conditions). This act also prohibits clauses that impose a penalty or fee if the customer writes a negative review. 

The goal behind this Act is to allow people to share their honest opinions about a product, service, or company in general. Prohibiting consumer’s honest reviews, or threatening to take legal actions against them if they post opinions that are not positive, harms other consumers as they cannot benefit from reliable opinions. It also harms businesses that only earn positive reviews, as consumers will not know whether the lack of negative reviews is a consequence of the company’s great work or its policy prohibiting positive reviews. 

What kind of non-disparagement is legally enforceable? 

Companies are allowed to include clauses that prohibit customers from revealing confidential and private information, from publishing reviews that are libelous, vulgar, obscene, or inappropriate, unrelated to the company’s products or services, or that are false or misleading. 

Should you sign a non-disparagement agreement? 

Whether you should agree to sign a non-disparagement agreement depends on the benefits you gain from signing it. You should consider the pros and cons, and if the non-disparagement clause goes with financial compensation.

If you have been asked to sign a non-disparagement agreement and would like to obtain legal advice, or if you are accused of breaching a non-disparagement agreement, contact your experienced attorneys at EPGD Business Law. 

EPGD Business Law is located in beautiful Coral Gables. Call us at (786) 837-6787, or contact us through the website to schedule a consultation.

*Disclaimer: this blog post is not intended to be legal advice. We highly recommend speaking to an attorney if you have any legal concerns. Contacting us through our website does not establish an attorney-client relationship.*

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Eric Gros-Dubois

Founding partner Eric Gros-Dubois established EPGD Business Law in 2013. With over a decade of experience expanding the firm and leading it to its current success, Eric now primarily manages the corporate division of EPGD. Given Eric’s educational background, holding both a JD and MBA, combined with his own unique experience of starting a business from scratch and growing it to a multi-million dollar firm, he brings a specialized and invaluable perspective to those seeking legal assistance for themselves and their businesses. Having now instilled his same values in our team of skilled corporate associates, Eric leads a firm that is always ready, willing, and equipped to handle any and every legal matter that a business owner may have.

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*The following comments are not intended to be treated as legal advice. The answer to your question is limited to the basic facts presented. Additional details may heavily alter our assessment and change the answer provided. For a more thorough review of your question please contact our office for a consultation.
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