Apple anti-virus software creators face off in defamation lawsuit

NEW ORLEANS – A New Orleans-based anti-virus software company is suing a competitor who they claim defamed their product on online chat boards and caused them to lose business.

Kromtech of USA LLC filed suit against Macpaw Inc. in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on July 9.

Kromtech of USA, as the creator and owner of Mackeeper anti-virus software, claims that employees or other agents of Macpaw Inc., who owns a competing anti-virus software called CleanMyMac, created several usernames and posts on several websites defaming the Mackeeper software.

The plaintiff alleges because word of mouth is a very strong part of their online marketing strategy that the defendant has harmed their business.

In specific, Kromtech of USA claims that Macpaw Inc. is responsible for several online posts and even full length articles that question the effectiveness of their software calling it “”malware," “garbage” and “a rip-off."

The plaintiff claims the negative statements made about their software are fraudulent, false and damaging. Kromtech of USA alleges that after the comments were made they were informed by a business partner that had sold 106,000 software units that it would no longer associate with Kromtech due to their bad reputation, according to the suit.

The defendant is accused of defamation.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for lost earnings, impairment of earning capacity and compensation for lost business due to its harmed reputation.

Kromtech of USA is represented by David W. Nance of the New Orleans-based Nance Law Group LLC.

The case has been assigned to Division F Judge Christopher J. Bruno.

Case no. 2013-06385.