Website Legalities

I'm toying with the idea of allowing users on my forum rate local and national businesses. My question is are there any legal issues that I might run into by allowing people not affiliated with my web company voice their opinions about company's and service providers? Can I group these companies and use their business names without worry of lawsuits, etc? For example, I could place Circuit City on my site then allow people to post their feelings about their service, products, etc.

Thank you for any help you can provide.

It can be a tricky area. You are not responsible for the posters, but if offended people can say you helped or purposely let false material remain after warnings etc. they can add you to suits as well. And that can make life difficult.

You may want to set up offshore.