Viral abuse

13 July 2007 By Una Galani Follow @ugalani

Two cases have surfaced in the last few days. CocaCola and the US Federal Trade Commission aren t amused. It s fine for regular people to tell their friends that a product is junk. But what if the regular guy is a rival executive?

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Cocacola's Argentine subsidiary has filed a formal criminal complaint against two unnamed Danone executives and a public relations firm accusing them of orchestrating an internet smear campaign against Coke's Desani water brand.

It is believed to be the first time a major international firm has pursued legal action against another over the alleged use of a webbased smear campaign. Coke is seeking damages of up to $10,000, a spokesman for the company said.

Separately, the US Federal Trade Commision is currently to block Whole Foods takeover of its organic rival Wild Oats on the grounds that the deal will limit competition.

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