Could Microsoft Sue someone for Writing Negative Things about Windows?

[rolfe16]

I'm just curious. If a piece of writing came out that caused Windows users to stop using windows and start using Linux or Macintosh, is there any legal ground that Microsoft could stand on to sue the person or company that distributed the writing?

The only way I could think of is if their Lawyers connected the distribution to their losing of sales. However, I do not believe that merely changing people's minds is suitable grounds for legal action, assuming consumers were not forced to switch systems.

Just to be fair, let's assume that the writing is entire factual.

Please provide lawful support.

[hewlett]

If you want my simple answer.. No its your opinion.

[josephus]

"If a piece of writing came out that caused Windows users to stop using windows and start using Linux or Macintosh, is there any legal ground that Microsoft could stand on to sue the person or company that distributed the writing?"


Possibly, yes. It just depends on what the writing said. If it is making false claims about the company or its products, then yes! They could file a lawsuit claiming slander. Serious offense.


If it is simply stating a personal opinion on the fact you were not happy how it works, based on 'TRUE' events then NO.


Slander = Yes
Opinion based on True events = NO

[delron72]

Can they sue? Yes - so long as they pay the required fee.
What you're really asking is are they likely to sue & would they likely win? No, at least in the US. We have something called the First Amendment which permits you to voice your opinion so long as you're not making up lies.

[wendlesora]

Anything that anybody could possibly say that is negative regarding Windows has already been said, many times, in print. So far nobody has successfully been sued. There is your lawful support.

[curran]

Purely pecuniary claims are not actionable. You've got to show something more that just a loss of income of money to have a case or controversy.

[fychan97]

No.