Legal Question in Technology Law in Virginia

Publish e-mail communications on Web site

Is it legal for me to publish e-mail communications (addressed to me) on my web site?

Here is what happened. Some one left unwarranted negative feedback on eBay after purchasing one of my items that was listed on eBay. I published all communications (between me and the buyer) on a Web page I created to show potential buyers that the negative feedback was unwarranted. There is a link to this Web page in all of my eBay listings.

Can I be sued in any way? The only identifiable information is the persons e-mail address, first name and their eBay member ID which can be found on eBay by anyone.


Asked on 5/27/07, 4:29 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Publish e-mail communications on Web site

Who's now complaining, the aggrieved buyer? Even if it were s/he, I would doubt that you have much to be concerned about in terms of possible defamation liability. (Furthermore, if you're one of these so-called "Power Sellers" on ebay with a 98% favorable rating or so from your buyers, an occasional negative comment by a disgruntled buyer is likely to have little influence on other prospective buyers for your products on ebay and, consequently, your efforts to further elaborate on your disagreement with this particular unhappy buyer by publishing the emails exchanged between the two of you on your website were likely quite unnecessary.)

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Answered on 5/28/07, 10:17 am


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