Bird’s Eye ad banned for exaggerating size of portions
The ASA received a complaint that a TV ad for Bird’s Eye “Stir your senses” ready-made meals showed bulked-up portions and was therefore misleading. Daisy Jones reports.
All Articles in Misleading advertising
European Commission publishes updated Guidance on Unfair Commercial Practices Directive
Not before time, the EC has released revised guidance on compliance with the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC. Daisy Jones reports on the sections of this wide-ranging guide which might be of most concern to marketers.
ASA probes Australian “UGG Boots” website claims
A UK consumer complained that a “15 day money back guarantee” on www.abugg.com.au was not honoured. A “made in Australia” claim was also challenged. Chloe Dumoulin-Richet reports and looks at the jurisdictional and enforcement aspects.
Grocers asked to engage with Trading Standards on “Was/now” offers
The Competition and Markets Authority has published a follow-up report on a super-complaint by Which? concerning allegedly misleading grocery promotions. As a result, a number of supermarkets are being asked to “engage with” Trading Standards. Jamie Heatly reports.
Australia defines “free range egg”
Following an A$300,000 penalty on Derodi Pty and Holland Farms Pty and an order to publish corrective advertising, there is a new Australian national standard definition of “free range egg.” Can a UK court order corrective advertising in similar cases? Chloe Deng reports.
CMA takes action against Total SEO & Marketing over fake reviews
A Competition and Markets Authority investigation found that between 2014 and 2015 Total SEO & Marketing Ltd, a search engine optimisation and online marketing company, wrote over 800 fake reviews for 86 businesses that appeared on 26 websites. Ben Dunham reports.
Lord & Taylor’s Design Lab range launch leads to FTC enforcement
A seemingly objective article on the “Nylon” site about L&T’s new range was in fact paid for by the US chain, as were Instagram postings by 50 fashion “influencers” wearing a Design Lab dress. Barney Sich reports on the consequences.
Ofcom probes Pentagon Vauxhall offers in Gem 106 broadcast
“Brand new Astras from £9995” said radio commercial references between 15 and 30 September 2015. But a potential customer contacted the dealer on 29 September and was told the offer had ended. Chloe Dumoulin-Richet reports.
Did Great Western Railway ads suggest public ownership?
A poster outside Paddington station was headlined “Great Western Railway-the railway belongs to the region it serves.” Four complainants to the ASA alleged this misleadingly implied GWR was publicly owned. What was the ASA’s decision? Chloe Deng reports.
ASA probes Latvian “Pranamat Sales” site
Online ads for “ECO acupressure mats” claimed they “helped to relieve stress, reduce headache and back pain and improve circulation.” On what basis could the ASA have jurisdiction over a Latvian website? Daisy Jones reports.
Argos and Victoria Plum price reduction claims probed
Argos claimed a hairstraightener “was £64.99 [now] £32.49 half price”. Victoria Plum offered a basin unit for “£199 was £299 you save £100.” The ASA ignored the official Pricing Practices Guide when adjudicating on both claims. Chloe Dumoulin-Richet reports.
ECJ limits Daimler AG’s trade mark rights against Budapest dealer
ECJ limits Daimler AG’s trade mark rights against Budapest dealer Egyud Garage became a former authorised Mercedes Benz dealer. Egyud took steps to stop unauthorised online ads that continued to claim this. Daimler wasn’t satisfied and sued. How far was Egyud obliged to go? Stephen Groom reports.
