Can an advertiser be liable for defamation?

Yes, an advertiser can be liable for defamation. Defamation is when a person or entity (such as an advertiser) makes a false statement that harms someone’s reputation or creates a negative opinion of that person or entity. In Washington, it is illegal to make false or misleading statements in an advertisement. Under WA’s Consumer Protection Act, an advertiser can be liable for defamation, even if they did not originally create the false statement. In Washington, an advertiser can also be liable for deceptive advertising. Deceptive advertising is when a false statement is made in an ad that is likely to mislead a reasonable consumer. If a false statement is made in an advertisement, the advertiser can be held liable for any losses that the consumer suffers as a result of the deception. Washington also has an anti-SLAPP law that applies to defamation and deceptive advertising. This law helps protect advertisers by allowing them to file an anti-SLAPP motion that could possibly have the defamation claim dismissed or the damages reduced. In short, an advertiser can be liable for defamation and deceptive advertising in Washington. They can be held liable for losses incurred by the consumer, and can be subject to an anti-SLAPP motion, depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

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