Litigation PR for Company “A” vs. UOKiK
Industry:
Energy
- Brand Reputation, Crisis Communications and Issues Management, Strategic Advisory
Background and context
Company “A” from the energy sector found itself at the centre of UOKiK proceedings involving potentially very high financial penalties and the risk of personal liability for members of the management board. The situation required immediate control of the narrative and simultaneous communication efforts directed at the court, the media and public opinion.
Key circumstances
- The UOKiK proceedings involved the possibility of maximum penalties.
- Noise PR anticipated a high-risk scenario that ultimately materialised.
- The company needed to protect its reputation and minimise the impact of the regulator’s decision on market perception and stakeholder confidence.
Communication objectives
The objective was to safeguard both the legal and reputational position of the company under regulatory and media pressure.
- Protection of the company’s and management board’s reputation.
- Influencing the narrative surrounding the court proceedings.
- Pushing UOKiK into a defensive communication position.
- Maintaining stakeholder trust – clients, the market and business partners.
Strategic approach
We focused the strategy on two communication tracks: legal (courts) and public (opinion and media). Once UOKiK’s decision was published, it ceased to be the primary addressee of communication and became a party to the dispute, requiring a complete redesign of the messaging architecture.
Key elements of the approach:
- Transition to “litigation mode” communication: facts, evidence and procedural arguments.
- Targeting a narrow group of the most influential legal and business media outlets.
- Ongoing monitoring and immediate correction of inaccurate media coverage.
- Developing credible expert commentary reinforcing the company’s position.
- Transparent and composed communication addressed to all key stakeholder groups.
Results
The effective communication strategy delivered the following outcomes:
- The company’s arguments were reflected in 70% of media publications concerning the case.
- A shift in narrative tone – moving the debate towards doubts surrounding UOKiK’s position.
- In paired public debates, experts highlighting weaknesses in the regulator’s decision began to dominate.
- Maintained stakeholder trust – through transparent and consistent internal and client communication.
- Proceedings before the competition and consumer protection court were largely concluded.
Conclusions and strategic significance:
- Litigation PR can have a material impact on both the media landscape and judicial proceedings.
- Precise selection of media outlets and arguments allows the public debate to shift towards facts rather than emotions.
- High transparency stabilises stakeholder relationships in high-risk legal situations.
- Well-prepared communication can limit the reputational impact of aggressive regulatory actions.
Selected Projects Demonstrating Our Impact
Explore other projects where our strategic approach and precise execution delivered measurable results – building stakeholder trust, strengthening narratives and ensuring information stability.
- Corporate Communications, Crisis Communications and Issues Management, Digital and Social Dialogue
Effective communication of a production suspension decision
Challenges
- The project involved communicating a production suspension across three countries (Poland, Romania and Germany), requiring simultaneous engagement with all key stakeholder groups.
- Significant reputational risk: the facility was one of the largest employers in the region.
- Capital market pressure – potential implications for the Group’s financial performance and strategic positioning.
- Risk of social escalation and media speculation.
Wyzwania
- The project involved communicating a production suspension across three countries (Poland, Romania and Germany), requiring simultaneous engagement with all key stakeholder groups.
- Significant reputational risk: the facility was one of the largest employers in the region.
- Capital market pressure – potential implications for the Group’s financial performance and strategic positioning.
- Risk of social escalation and media speculation.
Rezultat
“Thanks to precisely planned and coordinated communication across three countries, market stability was maintained – the share price did not experience significant declines and investor reactions remained measured. Media coverage was consistent, factual and aligned with verified information, limiting speculation and emotional narratives. Employees in Romania received the information calmly and without escalation of tensions, while key stakeholder groups – from public administration and clients to business partners – were provided with clear and comprehensive explanations. The organisation maintained control over the narrative, minimising reputational risk and preserving credibility across all markets.”
The result
“Thanks to precisely planned and coordinated communication across three countries, market stability was maintained – the share price did not experience significant declines and investor reactions remained measured. Media coverage was consistent, factual and aligned with verified information, limiting speculation and emotional narratives. Employees in Romania received the information calmly and without escalation of tensions, while key stakeholder groups – from public administration and clients to business partners – were provided with clear and comprehensive explanations. The organisation maintained control over the narrative, minimising reputational risk and preserving credibility across all markets.”
- Public Affairs, Strategic Advisory
Nuclear energy under scrutiny. Public Affairs in a strategic energy investment
Challenges
- A project involving the construction of a second nuclear power plant in Poland, characterised by high political and strategic sensitivity.
- The need to separate facts from emotions in the public debate on nuclear energy and the selection of a plant location.
- The necessity of maintaining predictable dialogue with decision-makers, local authorities and local communities.
- Strengthening regulatory trust and social support in post-coal regions.
Wyzwania
- A project involving the construction of a second nuclear power plant in Poland, characterised by high political and strategic sensitivity.
- The need to separate facts from emotions in the public debate on nuclear energy and the selection of a plant location.
- The necessity of maintaining predictable dialogue with decision-makers, local authorities and local communities.
- Strengthening regulatory trust and social support in post-coal regions.
Rezultat
Thanks to a coherent Public Affairs strategy, the investor achieved a stable, fact-based media narrative without reputational crises. Trust among key decision-makers increased, confirmed in discussions at the government level. Information programmes translated into greater social acceptance in potential project locations. EDF is now perceived as the most prepared and transparent partner in the nuclear project. The project is ongoing, and the competitive advantage continues to grow quarter by quarter.
The result
Thanks to a coherent Public Affairs strategy, the investor achieved a stable, fact-based media narrative without reputational crises. Trust among key decision-makers increased, confirmed in discussions at the government level. Information programmes translated into greater social acceptance in potential project locations. EDF is now perceived as the most prepared and transparent partner in the nuclear project. The project is ongoing, and the competitive advantage continues to grow quarter by quarter.
- Brand Reputation, Crisis Communications and Issues Management, Strategic Advisory
Reputation under pressure: an effective strategy in crisis
Challenges
- Increased media scrutiny of the company’s Polish operations due to a Russian minority shareholder.
- High public sensitivity related to the war in Ukraine.
- Risk of losing credibility and potential inclusion on sanctions lists.
- Need for rapid, consistent communication with employees, partners, public administration and the media.
Wyzwania
- Increased media scrutiny of the company’s Polish operations due to a Russian minority shareholder.
- High public sensitivity related to the war in Ukraine.
- Risk of losing credibility and potential inclusion on sanctions lists.
- Need for rapid, consistent communication with employees, partners, public administration and the media.
Rezultat
Thanks to the immediate activation of crisis response measures, the company preserved its reputation and was not subject to sanctions. Media narratives stabilised, and journalists acknowledged the company’s communication. Relationships with key partners remained stable. The company was perceived as one of the most engaged organisations supporting Ukraine. The crisis was transformed into brand reinforcement through transparency, relief initiatives and employee engagement.
The result
Thanks to the immediate activation of crisis response measures, the company preserved its reputation and was not subject to sanctions. Media narratives stabilised, and journalists acknowledged the company’s communication. Relationships with key partners remained stable. The company was perceived as one of the most engaged organisations supporting Ukraine. The crisis was transformed into brand reinforcement through transparency, relief initiatives and employee engagement.
Let’s talk
The best projects begin with a conversation. If you would like to learn how we can support your organisation, please get in touch with us.
