Employee Blogging: Liability Risks for Employers

You may not know exactly what web logs or "blogs" are, but they are pervasive and a growing liability risk for employers. Whether corporate-sponsored or independent, these online journals by employees can compromise confidential information, mar a company's public reputation, and harm employee morale.

Blogs are largely uncharted territory for employers -- only a small percentage have policies targeting employee blog activity.

Listen as our authoritative panel discusses the legal risks of employee blogs for employers and best practices to avoid problems and liability -- without trampling employee rights and privacy.

Jeffrey A. Hollingsworth, Partner, Perkins Coie, Seattle, practices in the area of labor and employment law, focusing on defense of class action and multi-plaintiff discrimination claims. He has particular experience handling complex class employment litigation for large commercial businesses and public employers.

Lance Koonce, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine, New York, specializes in Internet and high technology matters, with a particular focus on online privacy and security issues. He counsels clients in motion picture, publishing, music and television industries.

Gregg Lemley, Partner, Bryan Cave, St. Louis, practices in the area of labor and employment law, concentrating primarily in the area of employment litigation and employer counseling. He has represented employers in a wide range of litigation matters and assists employers in the development and application of personnel policies and employee handbooks.

The panelists address these and other key questions:

• What are the main sources of liability risk for employers in employee blogging?
• How can companies legally respond to employee blogs that harass or defame others -- or disparage the employer?
• Can employers be held liable for the content of employee blogs -- even if they aren't company-sponsored?
• How can employers make use of blogs for their advantage?

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