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Beware of the eight-legged chicken!
Don't worry. They don't exist. At least, that's what KFC wants to remind us. The fried chicken company has long been plagued with rumors of mutant chickens in China. But now, the company has finally had enough. It's turning to the courts to squash the rumors.
For the past few months, KFC and its parent company Yum Brands Inc. have been losing customers and profits in China. Could it be because of pernicious rumors?
In an attempt to redeem its public image, KFC is suing three Chinese media companies, Shanxi Weilukuang Technology Company, Taiyuan Zero Point Technology Company, and Yingchenanzhi Success and Culture Communication, for spreading rumors that KFC is serving mutant chickens with six wings and eight legs.
In its lawsuit, KFC demands 1.5 million yuan (about $245,000) from each company, an apology, and an end to the rumors.
While news reports do not name the cause of action and Chinese laws may be different, in the United States, KFC would likely be suing for defamation or some action based on an interference
with trade or contracts. Let's talk about defamation.
The legal requirements for defamation may vary slightly from state to state (and from country to country), but the general elements of defamation include:
If a competitor or customer's defamatory statements ever damage your company's reputation, consult with an experienced litigation attorney for help.
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