Question

Topic: Other

Online Customer Case Studies: Client Permissions

Posted by ginette.ward on 1/4/2017 at 6:26 AM ET 250 Points
We're keen to increase the number of client case studies on our website but in the past it's been very time consuming and difficult to write full case studies with the permission of the client. Some simply don't have the time to work with us and others are difficult to get hold of.

My question is: if we were to refer to the client as 'A large financial organisation' for example, rather than using their name or any specifics, do we legally have to gain their permission?
To continue reading this question and the solution, sign up ... it's free!
SUBSCRIBE
Or, SIGN IN

RESPONSES

  • Posted by Mike Steffes on 1/4/2017 at 12:03 PM Accepted
    Even if only the LFO thinks it recognizes itself, you have given them the appearance of exposing them to something they haven't had the chance to consider. It may or may not be legal, I don't know. But it is too likely to cost you future business. If you feel case studies provide value, you just have to make the effort (probably why so few have them).
  • Posted on 1/4/2017 at 3:19 PM Accepted
    You need to ask this question of an attorney who specializes in this sort of thing. However Mike Steffes's point is much more important. The legal response may be very different from the practical business response. What the client perceives is reality. And it's even possible that prospective clients would respond by saying (or thinking), "I wonder if OUR experience (with this company) would end up being discussed publicly this way."
  • Posted by Peter (henna gaijin) on 1/4/2017 at 4:33 PM Accepted
    In general, if you anonymize it (as calling them "A large financial organization" does) you would not need permission. Make sure that the client doesn't think it can only mean them, nor that others can figure out who the client is through information listed there.

    Of course, anonymizing the case study also reduces its value. These documents have more power when someone knows who it was that it is talking about. So company name, person's name, title, etc. all make it more powerful, and not having them reduces the value of the case study.
BACK TO TOP

Post a Comment

Related Discussions

Community Info

Top 25 Experts
(Other)