Design Federation

UPDATE | Whirlpool received a response late today from 2Clix solicitors Turnbull & Co, stating that it has received instructions to discontinue the case and that it will “attend to preparation of the Notice of Discontinuance”

While not really design news this is still interesting. Whirlpools founder Simon Wright, (whirlpool - the best Australian website for all things internet) is being sued by 2clix.Here is a small rundown. Allegedly 2clix make software, Allegedly an end user who used the software wasn’t happy with it or some aspect of 2clix service and decided to say so on a public forum, Allegedly 2clix aren’t happy with this and therefore think the best way to go about removing negative discussion about their software is to sue.

All this is only alleged, but the below information is true and you can read it all at http://whirlpool.net.au/article.cfm/1753 “Whirlpool founder Simon Wright is being sued by accounting software firm 2Clix Australia Pty Ltd (ACN 118 044 198) for alleged “injurious falsehood”.The Statement of Claim from the company alleges that Simon Wright allowed statements “relating to the Plaintiff and its software product that are both false and malicious” to be published on the Whirlpool forums.

2Clix is suing for at least $150,000 (plus costs), and is demanding that two forum threads be removed from the site.

Whirlpool believes the action has no merit and will defend the matter vigorously, despite being a community website with little resources.

Simon Wright, the moderators and Whirlpool’s legal team ask that users respect Simon’s right to a fair trial and not prejudice his case. Users should refrain from doing anything that might expose Simon to contempt of court such as making statements that prejudge the outcome of the case. Please keep any comments polite and factual. “