A “libel” is a false statement. Thus, libel, in the sense of defamation (referred to below as “ordinary libel”), and trade libel are similar in that they are causes of action available to plaintiffs about whom, or about whose trade or goods, false statements are made. However, “libel” in the sense of defamation is a false statement injurious to one’s reputation, whereas trade libel is a false statement resulting in economic injury to the plaintiff.
