What is the term for purposely spreading malicious rumours about a company?

What is the term for purposely spreading malicious rumours about a company?

I have it on the tip of my tongue but I can't remember.

Defame, slander, Libel (in writing)

Thanks.

Also known as "I'm collecting Cease and Desist letters!"

StevenH said:

What is the term for purposely spreading malicious rumours about a company?

I have it on the tip of my tongue but I can't remember.

Click to expand...

Well, it depends...

In the legal system - libel or slander
The military and intelligence comunity, (and in these days it's a contradiction in terms) - rumors and propaganda
To politicians - Hard to define because it's pretty much anything that comes out when they open their mouths. Although the present administration has brought this to an art form.

The OP said about a company, so there are only two terms which apply. Libel for written word, slander for the spoken word.

Also there is FUD - Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt (often used by sales people to cast a shadow on the competition)