An analysis of social media ownership litigation between organizations and PR practitioners

• PR practitioners may not own their social media accounts.
• Litigation concerning social media ownership is increasing.
• Social media accounts may be governed under trade secret law.
• Practitioners and agencies need rules concerning social media ownership.

This article explores recent lawsuits surrounding social media ownership in the United States and United Kingdom. Because social media has become a valuable tool for public relations, many organizations now claim an ownership interest in their employees’ social media accounts. This article explores three recent cases (two in the U.S. and one in the U.K.) that involve social media ownership issues. An overview of these cases is presented, and suggestions are made for PR practitioners, agencies, and organizations.