BYD wins defamation lawsuit over online false claims, Chinese court orders 285,000 USD
BYD has received a first-instance court ruling in a defamation lawsuit against multiple online accounts, ordering compensation of 2 million yuan (approximately USD 285,000), according to statements released on December 25. The ruling addresses the fabrication and dissemination of false information about the automaker and reflects a final judicial outcome rather than an ongoing investigation or mediation process.
According to information disclosed by BYD’s legal department and reported by Sina, the defendants operated accounts titled “Long Ge Talks Electric Cars” and “Full Battery New Energy.” The court found that these accounts were fabricated and spread false information about BYD, which it determined had damaged the company’s commercial reputation and its product reputation.
The first instance judgment ordered the defendants to cease the infringing activities immediately, eliminate the negative impact caused by the false information, and pay financial compensation to BYD. The compensation amount was set at 2 million yuan based on the court’s assessment of the reputational harm involved. Reports did not disclose the detailed content of the false claims or the specific platforms on which they were published.
Chinese media reports emphasized that the ruling marks a first-instance decision, meaning the case has completed an initial judicial review. No information was provided regarding whether either party intends to appeal the judgment. The case outcome was presented as the conclusion of the first stage of litigation rather than a final, non-appealable ruling.
BYD’s legal department stated that the company respects public oversight and accepts criticism based on objective facts, while reiterating that online activity remains subject to legal accountability. The statement noted that the company will continue to use legal measures to protect its lawful rights and interests when facing insults, rumors, or defamatory conduct. This position was reported consistently across several Chinese financial and technology-focused news outlets.
Li Yunfei, general manager of brand and public relations at BYD Group, was quoted in multiple reports as distinguishing fact-based media criticism from what the company describes as deliberate reputational attacks. His comments clarified BYD’s internal stance on media reporting and were not part of the court’s reasoning or judgment.
The ruling confirms that the court found the defendants liable for reputational infringement and, at first instance, awarded damages to BYD.
