trademark civil-law
Former employee using our company name
<p>My wife and I have run a company for the last 6 years. Unfortunately one of our  former employees opened a website using our logo, pictures, and referring to himself as if he were still our employee.  So he is using our branding to direct potential customers to him. (Is this considered Phishing?)</p>

<p>We are based in Ireland, and I contacted his hosting company, but I don't think they will block his domain/website. </p>

<p>What should I do in this scenario?</p>

<p>What you are describing is not "phishing."  It does, however, violate all sorts of laws against copyright and trademark infringement.  Furthermore you would have compelling claims against the former employee for various torts &ndash; e.g., breach of trust.</p>

<p>The prudent course of action in this scenario would be to contact a lawyer assess the value of your claims and consider suing the former employee for damages and injunctions.  If the potential damages (and the ability to collect them) are high enough you might be able to retain a lawyer's services on contingency.</p>

<p>At the very least you could send the former employee a "cease and desist" letter.  Ideally that should be drafted by a lawyer, but there is plenty of boilerplate and samples to be found online if you lack the money to properly defend your business.</p>
