Internet supplier sues PR Newswire for libelous report

NEW YORK: An online retailer filed suit against PR Newswire (PRN)

and several other hi-tech companies last week, claiming that the

defendants libeled it ’throughout the world on the Internet.’

Nicole Tzougrakis, who sells designer labels like Gucci on her site

Offtherunway.com, claimed that PRN, CMP Media, Ziff-Davis and

Cyveillance incorrectly and libelously reported that her site sold

counterfeit goods.

Cyveillance, which bills itself as ’the leading provider of e-business

intelligence,’ issued a press release to PRN on Dec. 7, 1998, warning

online shoppers about cyberscams. The release was then picked up and

distributed by Ziff-Davis and CMP.

Two weeks after the initial release, Offtherunway.com was taken off a

list of alleged Web counterfeiters.

Renu Aldrich, PR manager at PRN, said she was aware that a lawsuit had

been filed, but would not comment until PRN was served with the

complaint.

She added that PRN has never been sued individually for libel, but was

cited in a similar case that was dismissed.

Cyveillance director of marketing Diane Perlman refused to comment.

Tzougrakis referred calls to her lawyer, Greg Gregorich, who declined

comment.

This article was first published on PR Week USA