Mal Braverman, DDS v. Yelp Inc. (May 21, 2015, 1st Dep’t)
The Appellate Division, First Department, affirmed the dismissal of defamation, General Business Law and breach of contract claims asserted by a New York dentist against Yelp Inc. based on allegedly defamatory reviews written by users of the Yelp website. Ford Marrin continues to prevail in the defense of websites, blogs, and individuals in Internet defamation cases. The Court further held that the forum selection clause of the advertising agreement entered into by the parties was applicable and the claims were not brought in the proper forum.
Partner Andrew Mandelbaum successfully represented defendant Yelp Inc. in this matter.