Cases involving new media publishing more than doubled, and businesses focused their attention on other businesses rather than publishers, the research found.
The number of defamation cases grew from 59 to 78 in the year to May 2009, Sweet and Maxwell said.
"The increase in reported defamation cases launched by businesses might be caused by the financial pressures of the credit crunch as companies react more aggressively to perceived attacks on their reputation," said a company statement.
Businesses sued other businesses or individuals in 11 of the 16 business defamation cases. In only five instances did they take action against media companies.
"In some instances companies used defamation laws to protect themselves against claims that their businesses might become insolvent, a trend that could increase next year if more recession-related defamation cases feed through the courts," said the Sweet and Maxwell statement.
In the year to May 2008 the number of cases involving new media publishing was three. Last year that rose to eight cases involving email, blogs, social networks or websites.
"New media [companies] are often under more pressure than traditional media outlets to publish lots of content quickly, which can lead to errors that can result in defamation cases," said the company.
The number of defamation actions brought by celebrities has stayed stable, falling by one place from 19 to 18 as some famous people switch their legal efforts to privacy laws rather than libel.
Sweet and Maxwell publishes the Lawtel and Westlaw legal information services.
