OREANDA-NEWS. October 13, 2008. The Arbitration Court sustained the decision of the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS Russia) on improper advertisement of the "Vanish" stain remover because it contained incorrect comparison and false information. The Court also sustained the determination issued by the antimonopoly authority to the advertiser - "Rekitt Benkizer" Ltd. - on eliminating the violations of the Federal Law "On Advertising", reported the press-centre of FAS Russia.

On 20th December 2007, FAS Russia recognized that the advertisement of the "Vanish" universal stain remover was improper and violated Clause 1 Part 2 and Clause 1 Part 3 Article 5 of the Federal Law "On Advertising". FAS Russia issued a determination to the advertiser - "Rekitt Benkizer" Ltd. to stop its broadcasting.

The case against "Rekitt Benkizer" Ltd. was initiated for advertising the "Vanish" universal stain remover in June - October 2007 on the TV channels "Pervy", "Rossia", "Ren-TV", "NTV", "STS", 5th Channel (St Petersburg) and STO (St Petersburg).

The advertisement compared Vanish" with the goods of the company's competitors by using detergent packaging, similar to the degree of confusion with the packaging of specific goods available on the Russian market. The advertisement stated that "so much stuff was damaged with these detergents!...", "here the colours can flow…", "Vanish. Pink colour. Trust it and there are no stains!"

FAS Russia found the advertisement improper as advertising statements regarding competing goods were groundless and false. The advertiser "Rekitt Benkizer" Ltd. received a determination to stop broadcasting the advertisement.

"Rekitt Benkizer" Ltd. appealed the decision and determination of the antimonopoly authority but the Court dismissed the appeal.

Reference:
Under Clause 1 Part 3 Article 5 of the Federal Law "On Advertising": an advertisement is unreliable if it contains false information on the advantages of the advertised goods in comparison with the circulated goods produced by other manufacturers or distributed by other sellers.

Under Clause 1 Part 3 Article 5 of the Federal Law "On Advertising": an advertisement is unfair if it contains incorrect comparison of the advertised goods with the circulated goods produced by other manufacturers or distributed by other sellers.