New regulatory burdens for online medicine retailers
As of 1 July 2015, all those wanting to sell medicines on the web from the UK have had to register with the UK MHRA. An EU common logo must also be displayed. Georgina Graham reports.
All Articles from 16th July 2015
Passing off saves Sofa Workshop and Ukulele Orchestra brands
The tort of passing off recently rode to the rescue of two UK brands whose fight against alleged interlopers looked cooked when their trade mark registrations were held invalid. Astrid Bulmer and Stephen Groom report
ICO Annual Report: highlights for marketers
Celebrating its 30th birthday, the UK data and information regulator has just published its latest Annual Report. Stephen Groom attended its launch and pulls out some nuggets for advertisers from that event and the Report itself.
“First choice” claim challenged
Join the first choice for single travellers,” said a flyer and brochure for holiday company Solitair. Small print said the claim was “for trade mark purposes” and “did not imply to any sales or revenue.” What did it all mean? Fiona Schneider reports on the ensuing ASA case.
Ofcom probes “Winning Weekend” radio competition
Northern Ireland radio station U105 regularly runs a “Winning Weekend” competition. A Saturday competition winner also won the next day, but was told multiple winners were not allowed. Chloe Deng reports on the ensuing Ofcom investigation.
PhonepayPlus compliance note for mobile internet-based services
Growing complaint levels about unexpected charges for mobile internet services have prompted the premium rate telephone line regulator to publish new guidance. Thomas Spanyol reports
French prize promotion law changes
Recently there have been two changes to laws impacting French prize draws and competitions. Will they make life easier for marketers looking to run compliant promotions in France? Claire Bouchenard reports from Osborne Clarke Paris
France looks to relax alcohol ad law un peu
French MPs have voted to amend the notoriously strict “Loi Evin” of 1991 by narrowing the boundaries of “advertising and propaganda.” Claire Bouchenard of Osborne Clarke Paris reports.
Did Teekanne tea label with correct ingredients list still mislead on content?
“Felix raspberry and vanilla adventure” tea packs with “natural flavourings” and “raspberry and vanilla taste” and raspberry and vanilla pod artwork contained neither. Did the ingredients list save the day after German consumers sued? Mark Nathan and Stephen Groom report
Health &beauty brand tussle pits Giovanni against Giovanni Galli
The EU General Court recently considered a claim by US-based Giovanni Cosmetics, Inc that its “GIOVANNI” CTM should prevent the registration of “GIOVANNI GALLI” for the same goods by Vasconcelos & Goncalves SA of Spain. Varuni Paranavitane reports.
Trade Secrets Directive makes progress
Progress towards adoption of an EU “Trade Secrets Directive” is quickening. With the key elements of the measure now becoming clearer, Barney Sich reports on its potential relevance for advertisers and agencies.
