Islam Expo Ltd v The Spectator (1828) Ltd & Anor

Islam Expo Ltd v The Spectator (1828) Ltd & Anor

The words complained of are capable of referring to the Claimant, as a tribunal of fact could reasonably conclude that the reference to 'IslamExpo' in the words complained of refers to the Claimant corporation, and the ambiguity is not resolved by the context of the hyperlinks.

Parties
Claimant: Islam Expo Ltd; Defendant: The Spectator (1828) Ltd; Defendant: Stephen Pollard
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
30 July 2010
Procedural Posture
Libel / Interlocutory Application on Meaning/reference
Outcome
Application dismissed; words complained of are capable of referring to the Claimant.
Legal Topics
Reference in Defamation, Meaning of Words Complained of, Internet Publication Context, Hyperlinks as Context

Case Brief

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Parties

Islam Expo Ltd

Claimant

The Spectator (1828) Ltd

Defendant

Stephen Pollard

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel / Interlocutory Application on Meaning/reference

  1. 1 Whether the words complained of are capable of referring to the Claimant
  2. 2 Whether hyperlinks form part of the context for meaning in internet publications

Ratio Decidendi

The words complained of are capable of referring to the Claimant, as a tribunal of fact could reasonably conclude that the reference to 'IslamExpo' in the words complained of refers to the Claimant corporation, and the ambiguity is not resolved by the context of the hyperlinks.

Court Disposition

Application dismissed; words complained of are capable of referring to the Claimant.

Orders

  • The action may proceed on the basis that the words complained of are capable of referring to the Claimant.