Defamation is the publication of material that tends to lower the claimant in the minds of right thinking members of society or is likely to adversely affect a person’s reputation. There are two types of defamation: slander (transient forms such as spoken word or gestures) and libel (lasting forms of publication such as online, print, broadcasting).
To have a viable claim for slander, you need to prove tangible damage. In contrast, libel is actionable where harm is proven or is likely to be caused.
The courts have clarified that there is an enhanced threshold of seriousness for defamation claims. You must be able to demonstrate that the publication has caused or is likely to cause serious harm to your reputation. In the case of a body that trades for profit, you must show that the serious harm has caused or is likely to cause serious financial loss, such as a loss of customers or a significant drop in share price.