DCS Deep Cycle Systems Defamation [Update 2] | " We don't sue anyone for reviews"

GoFundMe: gofund.me/db05...
Patreon: / alloffroad
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Please note I, unfortunately, have to disable comments on these videos for legal reasons.
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Today, I bring you an update on the defamation proceedings issued against me by Deep Cycle Systems Pty Ltd (DCS).
First, I want to sincerely thank everyone for your tremendous support. I’ve been overwhelmed by the many, many messages I have received.
This legal action has clearly touched a nerve with a lot of people who worry about the impact it may have on online content creators’ ability to continue to deliver unbiased and factual product reviews.
I think people are just realising that this is a momentous case with a lot at stake for viewers of shows like mine who really depend on honest opinions based on detailed testing.
One of the main messages I keep getting is thanks from people who value the critical safety advice I was able to deliver about the reliability of batteries.
Everyone who goes off-road understands how critical that is and why it is in the public interest to continue to be able to deliver and receive it.
The reason for the update today is to be clear that I am, unfortunately, still being sued by DCS in defamation in the District Court of Queensland, Proceeding Number 1169 of 24.
The reason I have to say that is because it has come to my attention that there was some material uploaded by DCS onto its Facebook Page recently and also on the Google Reviews Page.
There was an exchange of comments on that Facebook Page as follows:
Bradley Davis: Pretty disappointing to see a company that I use, pursuing legal action after a review was made on KZbin. The review didn’t concern me as a customer, but the legal action against the little guy begins to make me question if I would buy from you again.
DCS responded: Bradley Davis we are not taking any legal against anyone for any product reviews. You probably should do some more research as it would not make any sense for a small Aussie family business to be wasting valuable resources doing something like that. Please feel free to call us tomorrow if you wish to discuss your concerns.
That is a blatant lie.
I was very concerned by this comment because it also tries to represent that I am crowd-funding for a non-existent legal action. That is simply not the case. Here is a copy of the statement of claim served on me by DCS. Here is a copy of the Defence that I had to file in response, prepared by lawyers. Here is a copy of the 20-page Reply I received in the last day or so. You can see DCS is the Plaintiff.
When I found out this lie from DCS I went to my lawyers and asked them to write to DCS lawyers. We asked for an apology and that DCS take the Post down.
DCS did not provide an apology and then amended their statement to this:
Bradley Davis we are not taking any legal against anyone for any product reviews that we believe are genuine. You probably should do some more research as it would not make any sense for a small Aussie family business to be wasting valuable resources doing something like that. Please feel free to call us tomorrow if you wish to discuss your concerns.
In the meantime, I have noticed that on product review website for DCS there is a highlighted statement at the top of the page. It says: [SHOW SCREENSHOT]
“We have detected a number of positive reviews for this listing which we suspect have been falsely generated and have the potential to mislead customers.
ProductReview.com.au takes a zero tolerance approach to any fake reviews and have removed these reviews accordingly.”
To be clear, my reviews were obviously genuine and now I face this legal proceeding brought by DCS against me. I do not know why they, as a “small Aussie family business” would be “wasting valuable resources doing something like that”. But they are doing so. Their lawyers continue to make demands of me, including asking me to take down my GoFundMe videos. This all causes more legal costs.
We have a court hearing date on 30 July about some administrative matters for the case. I will keep people updated as we go along.
Here is a link to my GoFundMe page. I repeat that if there is money raised above my legal costs, then I will donate the surplus to the Royal Flying Doctors Service.
Thank you again for all your support. My commitment to you is to continue delivering unbiased, honest feedback based on factual information.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Please note: Comments are enabled but need to be approved. Please leave me a supportive comment. It helps the algorithm (please understand I can't reply, though). I can not approve any defamatory comments towards a particular battery manufacturer. Decide yourself. Here are my original reviews: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKbMp5x5hdV-Y7s | kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIPGhIOrd9SVY6s

[@leokimvideo]

Well done getting Louis Rossmann to look into this case. He really understands people's basic rights

[@twothreefour234]

That pit bull can hunt.

[@rfitzgerald2004]

@@twothreefour234 He sure can, he's dug up some of the Ausralian Government's own battery test results, check "Report 12" arena.gov.au/knowledge-bank/itp-battery-test-centre-reports/

[@thomasmaughan4798]

Yes, came here after EEVBlog's post and then Louis Rossmann. Great commentaries and useful.

[@copernicofelinis]

Louis Rossman has been an absolute savage! 😀 A true legend.

[@Studio23Media]

Louis Rossmann is a true hero of the people. He deserves an award.

[@pivkaaa]

I came from Louis Rossmann channel, I stand behind you like Louis.

[@Roger-ic7sf]

Louis is a legend. Full of common sense and logical reasoning.

[@bradherbert8855]

Me too

[@malenotyalc]

Same

[@forrestgump282]

from Will Prowse solar fans. we stand behind you. im positive you will win the case

[@RAL2010]

Saw this at both Louis Rossmann and Will Prowse! Donated.

[@eekamoose]

There is no way that I will ever do business with a company that tries to suppress negative - honest - reviews instead of noting the problem and addressing the issues raised in the review. Reacting to negative reviews in this way is not only dishonest, it is business suicide.

[@jeffh8803]

Australia needs an anti-SLAPP law. Lawsuits like this should be dismissed at an early stage and costs awarded to the defendant

[@ricochet2977]

I’m surprised that DSC even brought this case as it’s very difficult to win defamation cases in Australia, either way it’s only going harm the company.

[@Dropbear087]

"The Streisand Effect" immediately comes to mind. Unless the Plaintiff has an eventual resounding win by proving they were clearly defamed the net result of the adverse publicity will be far more damaging and longer lasting than if they'd just copped the initial criticism quietly. Likely they gambled by first threatening and then commencing legal action that Mr Fischer would retract and desist in any further criticism, so they rolled the dice. Time will tell if that was worth it, hang in there Stefan and good luck because i'd have dug my heels in too!

[@pwnmeisterage]

This is what happens when threats failed but the bully is too stubborn and too dumb to back down and admit they were wrong. Fools take bad cases to court every day. Their arguments are heard, their evidence is examined, the judgment is made against them.

[@forrestgump282]

even if DCS wins the case, they will still be a losser. many buyers or potential buyer will boycot the product

[@George-vf7ss]

DCS, brace for impact.

[@northeastoperations]

Good luck! First heard of your situation over at Luis Rossman. Will donate to help fight the corruption.

[@rskipworth]

Me too! Donated!

[@forrestgump282]

how i wish Ellon Musk will hear this😢

[@JazzJackrabbit]

There are three types of lies: - Lies - Damn Lies - DCS Lies

[@highlander752]

The company had the opportunity to turn the original review into a positive but chose another direction. I’m part of the 4wd community here in Australia and would never purchase off a company who conducts itself in this manner. We support you

[@forrestgump282]

i have seem reviews from Will Prowse with negative comments on a product, and boom months later Will Prowse give a second review with the product improvement

[@StephenKellyQLD]

As another Queenslander, it's sad to see a local company shooting themselves in the foot, with their very poor social media skills. Keep up the good work, and always push back on a bully. I will give DCS a ring tomorrow and see what they say

[@JimmyMatis-h9y]

what'd they say

[@mini_steve]

Let me guess, they won't answer your call's or emails and the "office" is no longer there? As a Queenslander, we don't approve of this type of business practice.

[@Fringedweller1000]

did you ring?

[@forrestgump282]

i'm curious how they handle your call

[@delta3eight]

We need an update!!

[@ABadManinLondon]

Best of luck. DCS are (in my view) being very short-sighted in pursuing legal action and I hope for your sake and the sake of their staff that they cease this waste of time and energy before they trash their business' reputation. Keep posting! All the best from the UK

[@JimmyMatis-h9y]

looks a little late to not trash their reputation. good riddance DCS.

[@warped-sliderule]

DCS would rather listen to their lawyers advise on using forceful tactics instead of engage in a positive social media response. It might be family run, but from the online evidence it appears to be a nasty family...

[@ronniepirtlejr2606]

The world backs you! 💯💪🙂👍 From America 🇺🇲

[@paulbianchi7877]

Companies should not be afraid of independent testing. It can be used to your advantage.

[@biggin9077]

It's called constructive criticism.

[@tullochgorum6323]

I hope you win a resounding victory. The courts will hopefully consider the chilling effect of penalising honest reviewers trying to hold businesses to account. The fact that they are openly lying about their action on social media tells you all you need to know about their ethics. When will these bullies learn that all this kind of anti-free-speech SLAPP action will achieve is to draw attention to their flawed marketing claims and their horrible company culture?

[@iamtherealzim]

I hope you can recover your legal fees. Bullies suck. Keep up the good fight!

[@xinelli]

I came from Louis Rossmann's channel, and I commend you for your honesty and strength. Good luck!

[@andyphillips8862]

DCS are done, in this country ..keep an eye out for the re-brand too.👍

[@t-dog8528]

I first saw this on Louis channel, just the fact they're suing for an honest review then we'll never ever run their products in our large fleet

[@1stRanger]

Evidently this "small Aussie family" is rotten to the core. I'm gonna add DCS to the list of companies whose products I'll never buy under any circumstances.

[@rataluckens6506]

I have bought 4 pairs of dcs batteries I will now be checking their capacity. glad there are some youtubers who can seriously help you gd luck!

[@ricklee7171]

afraid they using B grade mixed with C grade quality I assume since I had suspicion on quality but the design built has been confirmed as a redneck cheap design

[@PhoenixRising-nm1he]

As a Kiwi neighbor of Australia I have never heard of DCS, and don't think I have ever user their batteries on any of our twelve vehicles. Their batteries might be good, but I like a partnership with my suppliers, I now know who to avoid. Had they said, "Thanks for alerting us to your concerns! Lets get together and sort the problem", as any responsible company would, they wouldn't be facing this backlash.

[@bran-qt7ds]

I'm here from Louis Rossman's video, and am commenting to help you in the algorithm. Gotta love the Steisand effect.

[@foobar9761]

You are fighting the good fight, DO NOT bow to bullies.

[@trevorreynolds6330]

Sorry to hear you have to go through this. As a company DCS should be able to take your feedback and use it to further improve their products. Battery performance can be the difference between life and death especially in the Australian outback where temperature extremes already deminish a battery's performance. Keep up the good fight and hopefully the courts will toss this case as soon as a judge hears the arguments.

[@Josef_R]

"That we believe are genuine." They will say they ARE suing you because they don't believe yours is genuine. It's all in the disingenuous wording.

[@chrisbridgland7212]

Absolutely shocking! Shows they are scared of the truth!

[@LoganJohnson-lm2bh]

Sir i am in the U.S.A. from what i have seen of your test results and with the evidence from the government test results add to that all the paper work and there response to it all I cannot foresee any problem of you winning in any forthcoming litigation against you .And i thank you for doing what you do .

[@stuartwalker6786]

STAY STRONG!!!

[@walthanas]

Being in the Netherlands, I heard about this from a DCS review done by a US reviewer in Las Vegas. Interesting to see people from around the world find out about how badly DCS is dealing with your review. Good luck with your court case!

[@jeffbane5061]

Keep strong! I hate these kinds of injustice!

[@MarkSmith-js2pu]

Heard about your story on John Cardigan and Luis Rossman. I like your chances.

[@IdiotamSpielen]

funny thing is, had they not sued they would've probably not taken any notable damage to their bottom line at all. But with them having sued, no matter if they win this case or not (Which, no of curse they will not win), the public sees them as a company incapable of taking criticism, a company that takes legal action as soon as even the tiniest negative claim is made regarding their products. And that will hurt their bottom line. It will hurt very much.

[@Roger-ic7sf]

And that what you said right there sums it up perfectly. Very myopic from a small company full of hubris. All this has done has given Stephan's profile and channel a massive boost, while taking a huge hit on themselves. Not all publicity is good publicity. Perhaps they should move their business to China, they just might like the censorship laws over there better.

[@Freshbott2]

Hurt isn’t enough. To threaten someone’s independence is a sinister mark and in doing so they’ve threatened the nature of others’ business (that being reviews). I’d go further than say I hope to see it hurt their bottom line but to see them go fully out of business since their continued lies, tampering with evidence and intimidation tells me they unfairly wish the same against innocent people. They don’t deserve any success.

[@sidekickbob7227]

My thought excactly. They have diggen their own grave as a business.

[@dave6501]

Hi man. I'm from across the pond. I'm not an off roader. However i do use battery technology as an electrics trained professional I do agree we need technical accurate honest reviews. Which should not be manipulated by corporate advertising. The consumer protection agency's of all citizens world wide should take this fight and sorry for you luck small corrupt Australian "family" business. If your advertising yourself as a "small family business" your #1 priority is quality and honesty. Period. This bullying tactics are for big government corruption and large businesses which we need protection from. Where is the representation for us the average joe. ... We as end users are fed up i expect this from the Chinese government and their crap on Ali Baba not a "small Australian family business" shame on you!

[@oscararborist]

I came here from Louis Rossman.

[@craigmarshall5896]

I live off-grid in the UK. The importance of Independent reviews of products cannot be overstated enough, either positive or negative, to enable consumers to make purchases after seeing all the information produced by multiple sources, for a given product. Reviewers use varying criteria for evaluating products and producing their reviews. DCS could have reached out to enquire why the review was negative and either: 1.) Improved their product. 2.) Asked for a statement by DCS to be referenced by the reviewer. 3.) Accepted that in business, people will have different views on your product and you need to have broader shoulders. I personally think this action speaks volumes about DCS. Good businesses let the product and word or mouth do the selling. When you get constructive, but ultimately negative reviews you consider negative, you need to understand the reasons why and address those if possible. I hope you are successful in your defence, and if you are I would hope you would counterclaim against DCS. Your case is important in as much as people should be free to dissent, openly, as long as any dissent is not deliberately intentioned in a malicious or vexatious manner. As far as I can tell your review was your honest opinion and you had no other connection with the DCS business. I wish you every success in your defence of this claim.

[@JulianMakes]

I think it’s obvious who is behaving poorly in this matter.

[@highlander752]

Hi Stefan, I’ve made a small donation to your cause. I’m amazed how much you have been able to raise through go fund me ! Fighting against a bully or raising funds for the RFDS -either way it’s a great cause. We stand with you.

[@petevawser7310]

Keep up the good fight. Always found your videos well researched and honest. You have more integrity than these bullying companies.

[@OregonPacificRailroad]

Well done. Love it when the little guy wins.

[@efka28]

Thanks to Rossman we know.

[@DXingTV]

I am a new subscriber. Having watched yours and many other channels, I found your reviews honest and unbiased. You give your opinion and what they are based on. This is the first time I have ever given money to any KZbin creator, I hope you win.

[@AlloffroadAu]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@tonym3185]

Just donated. I will no longer support DCS

[@deriusnorris4463]

In South Africa we would say "eish" Absolutely unbelievable. Strongs with the legal case. Louis has some good case info. Thanks for keeping it real.

[@Chirpychirpa]

Defective products warrant impartial reviews from professionals to ensure customer satisfaction. Thank you sir

[@bc-guy852]

I heard about you, (and now Will!) and this MADNESS via Louis Rossman! I'm in BC, Canada (some great off road territory around here) but I neither go off-roading nor do I visit or know anyone in Australia. But I strongly support your cause and am GRATEFUL that several communities are conspiring to make this nasty event a memory soon. And you'll be left with the subscribers and likes! I will watch your other episodes and try to support.

[@georgetaylor2819]

What's important is NOT the size of the dog in the fight - but - the size of the fight in the dog.

[@jlastre]

The Eisenhower quote

[@t-dog8528]

Nothing beats a big bank balance

[@joeblogs4295]

Good luck and stay strong.

[@heartsky]

Rossman says we can make a difference by just being here. I want to help, and I'm lazy. So here's my help, and I sub'd. Probably go through a couple other videos.

[@serepax3282]

Thanks for showing up and providing support. ✌️

[@Sparky_D]

As a fellow Aussie who follows many 4x4 / motoring channels on KZbin I can't believe I only found your channel due to this legal action. You got a new subscriber from me and someone else just got put on my personal blacklist for companies to never use.

[@SomeRandomPersonOnTheNet]

Here from Louis Rossmann. Subbed and good luck from Florida!

[@luckyhanger1326]

keep up the good fight!

[@AndreMiller-RED]

Stay strong brother! Make sure to rest and maintain strong health!

[@chimleypot]

Thank you for keeping on. It's time and energy you could have spent sharing your expertise, which is sad. But it's really important work, especially in a world where independent reviews by real people and not companies are increasingly hard to find.

[@ansermanjess]

You have to laugh at their tactics, they're getting the most crap for attacking the little guy so now they're trying to make themselves look like the little guy. Is the world that stupid that people would actually fall for that. IMO it makes them look desperate.

[@slowboat6021]

good luck and hope the crap legal system goes your way.

[@CheeseLovingGuy]

Interesting and important and going to be a fascinating journey to follow.

[@hec-haul]

All the best to you, we need more honest reviewers on KZbin to help us consumers in helping us to choosing a good product. Wishing you the best of luck to beat this.

[@bradsharkey2903]

As another Aussie I just clicked subscribe in support. I also found my way here from John Cadogan (Auto Expert) and Louis Rossmann.

[@DirtRoad4x4]

I wear two hats, as a small Aussie business and a small youtube channel that does review's. I was never a fan of DCS products because of the issues you have outlined. Keep up the good fight, Trev :)

[@gtpits]

Never really watched the channel but you now have my attention and so does DCS so I can avoid them

[@twothreefour234]

Their sneaky words had to be changed . The qualifier added to make the original statement true A non measurable qualifier determined by a less than honest entity. There is a smell about that. A bad smell.

[@GigAnonymous]

Thank you for being an outstanding reviewer!

[@enesfazlic6017]

So There is a open case number and suing for damages. But in black and white they write they are jot suing anyone for a review. What are they on about? They are lying to people now. Its clearly obvious they are suing you for damages but they say they are not. What is going on.

[@GeneralKato]

Here through Louis.

[@johnhansen7922]

A review of any product is an opinion by the reviewer. We all have opinions and we are not necessarily always right. DCS seems to struggle to understand their potential customer base and instead of addressing concerns over an opinion as they are raised they choose to attack. This is about freedom of opinion more than their product hence why the public will fight them and boycott them going forward. If they spent the money on good PR advice maybe they could have turned this exposure into something productive. An honest apology stating they have over reacted would go a very long way to solving this issue. Just my OPINION 😊. I will boycott DCS until they grow a brain.

[@mrkthmn]

Wow, I can’t imagine denying the law suit is going to look good for them in court to say the very least!! Really undermines their case.

[@mcsrecordingstudioalbionvi5082]

I applaud honest and transparent reviews. In my opinion, family companies should listen to unbiased feed back, discuss any concerning issues and work with reviewers to improve products.. I would have thought that most businesses would welcome feedback, and embrace any change to their products. I think customers would applaud transparency, which could further support customer satisfaction and relationships.

[@klm404]

Thanks!

[@sjsomething4936]

Thanks, keep up the good work! I hope this goes in your favour. Companies suing to prevent independent product testers from publishing their results are scum.

[@aderickus3210]

Good luck chap, you have supporters all over the world now

[@heinerweiner2327]

Very fair Report ! Its in our all interest to get rid of environmental hazardous product - and Companys like DCS

[@geraldwilson5954]

Hi I am from the UK. My lithium batteries have had 5 years of hard use totally wild camping in the event when renewal becomes necessary I certainly will not consider this product.

[@art-is-lazy4509]

Working in federal government procurement, i can say dcs have killed their opportunities for any government contracts.

[@robertadams2857]

Just caught up with Louis Rossmann. Best of luck against the DCS bullies.

[@hankcuccina5260]

We support you Stefan..

[@DaveMuller]

Hey mate, heard about you from the John Cadogan video. I subscribed, and best of luck.

[@randomvariable1836]

Louis Rossmann led me here - new subscriber !

[@tony359]

What a horrible situation you find yourself in. As a small KZbinr making occasional reviews, I can understand. Im confident things will resolve in your favour but DCS must pay for the emotional damage as well. I will share as much as I can and I am so happy to see some major KZbinrs (Dave, Luis etc) helping you getting this despicable situation as shared as possible. Be strong!

[@manaus6229]

Thanks

[@stevena8230]

Keep fighting!

[@CallToArmsFromAustralia]

Your defence in defamation is your comments were true and in the public interest.

[@davidharrington1133]

Great job

[@renchesandsords]

Louis has another video pulling up an Australian government report that showed the lackluster performance of DCS's batteries

[@oldman1944]

Will donate - you have my support.

[@supercliff5634]

Subscribed. I hope they get their come up ins.

[@kujas]

I hope this whole thing just goes away quickly dcs is very strange

[@maitrikashin3906]

A company that is genuine about improving their product for the benefit of customers in extreme off-road conditions would operate differently. Can you recommend a GPS ethics location device for companies that lose their way? Stay well Stefan.

[@angusabbott5615]

“Defender mods and travels” mentioned your issues and thought I’d check out your channel 🇬🇧

[@misakianimated]

There is nothing more pathetic than a company sueing someone for a review. Fight on brother! 💪🏽

[@darrenbridge7159]

First heard about your situation from John Cadogen. Just watched Louis Rossmann's video. Have been considering a house battery for my solar array. I'll be paying close attention to your case before I purchase. I think DCS have shot themselves in the foot.

[@serepax3282]

Check Louis's latest video on the subject, our own government sanctioned department 'ARENA' (Aus. Renewable Energy Agency) has previously commissioned extensive research by an independent laboratory to somewhat accurately test home batteries. DCS is literally off the charts 📉 way out of the ballpark.

[@siguie2355]

Stay strong and wishing you the best!

[@craigstephenmcdonald9915]

Keep fighting

[@Cadcare]

You need to win this for all of us. Go for it!

[@martind2218]

Just donated. Good luck mate

[@jackonthemoon.]

DCS is famous now .

[@jarrod1687]

Infamous

[@krimke881]

Wow. this is quite the mess. This is a company that does not have their own interest in their mind.

[@obfuscated3090]

Subscribed! Public scrutiny is vital to protecting consumers. SLAPP suits are evil. DCS USA are blocking Facebook posts too. How stupid do they imagine customers are?

[@Leironis1]

not a usual viewer but ill at least comment to help with the algorithm as this is a nasty situation that people need to be made aware of i wish you the best