Trustpilot has triumphed in a notable UK legal case, targeting websites engaged in selling fake reviews.
- The High Court’s decision marks a significant step against TPR, SMM Service Buy, and SMM 420 for infringing Trustpilot’s trademarks.
- Trustpilot urges internet and payment providers to dismantle the offending sites.
- The ruling aligns with upcoming UK laws banning fake review practices.
- Trustpilot’s proactive stance aims to preserve the integrity of its platform.
Trustpilot has emerged victorious in a critical legal battle against websites that engage in the sale of fake reviews in the UK. The High Court’s decision found that the defendants, identified as TPR, SMM Service Buy, and SMM 420, unlawfully encouraged businesses to breach Trustpilot’s terms by selling counterfeit reviews. These actions were deemed as passing off fake reviews as authorised content by Trustpilot and infringing on its trademarks.
Following the court ruling, Trustpilot is actively calling upon internet service providers and payment gateways to take action against the websites implicated in this fraudulent activity. This step is part of Trustpilot’s broader effort to combat the spread of fake reviews across its platform.
The timing of this ruling is noteworthy as it coincides with the impending enforcement of new UK legislation designed to prohibit the buying or procuring of fake reviews. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act, coming into effect in April 2025, empowers the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to take decisive action against businesses violating these norms.
Anoop Joshi, Trustpilot’s Chief Trust Officer, highlighted the importance of this legal victory. ‘This is a significant moment in the fight against websites that sell fake reviews, and we want to send a clear message that we will not tolerate review seller activity on Trustpilot,’ said Joshi. The decision to pursue this legal action was driven by Trustpilot’s commitment to preserving the trustworthiness and reliability of its platform for both businesses and consumers.
Over the past two years, Trustpilot has taken legal action in ten cases against entities that have repeatedly violated its platform’s rules. In 2023 alone, Trustpilot removed 3.3 million fake reviews, maintaining a consistent removal rate of 6% of the total reviews submitted annually. This proactive approach underscores Trustpilot’s determination to offer genuine and trustworthy content.
This legal victory underscores Trustpilot’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and trust of its review platform.
