(a) In an action for breach of a contract governed by this article when actual damages are sought, a defendant may assert affirmative defenses available under the law.
(b) If actual damages are sought, the defendant may also assert the following additional affirmative defenses:
(1) The disparaging statement was made in good faith.
(2) The disparaging statement was made by mistake.
(3) The disparaging statement caused no harm to the plaintiff.
(4) The disparaging statement was retracted in such a way as to eliminate or reduce the harm to the plaintiff.
(c) Unless it is specifically provided in the covered contract, none of the additional affirmative defenses apply to negate or diminish the effects or full enforcement of a liquidated damages provision in the covered contract.
Structure Code of Alabama
Title 8 - Commercial Law and Consumer Protection.
Article 11 - Alabama Non-Disparagement Obligations Contract.
Section 8-1-220 - Short Title.
Section 8-1-221 - Definitions.
Section 8-1-222 - Validity and Enforceability of Non-Disparagement Obligations.
Section 8-1-223 - Contracts to Be in Writing, Signed, and Supported by Adequate Consideration.
Section 8-1-224 - Liability for Breach of Non-Disparagement Obligation.
Section 8-1-225 - Enforcement Requirements; Sealing of Pleadings and Motions.
Section 8-1-226 - Severability of Unenforceable Provisions.
Section 8-1-227 - Applicability of Article.