HC BARS SEBAMED AD THAT MOCKED HUL SOAP BRANDS

NEW DELHI: In a relief to Hindustan Unilever Ltd, the Bombay high court on Monday prohibited German personal care brand Sebamed to air its ad campaign targeting HUL’s brands.

The HC granted an ad-interim ex-parte injunction against the ads, which compared Lux and Dove to detergent brand Rin, and claimed that the soaps did not maintain the optimal 5.5 pH level meant for sensitive skin.

HC passed a restraining order on USV Pvt. Ltd, which retails Sebamed in India, and its affiliates, and advertising agencies from using, telecasting or broadcasting or communicating to the public through TV, newspaper, hoardings and other material, or in any language of similar nature. The matter will be heard on 14 January. The court recorded the submissions by HUL that the ad denigrates its brands, and does not take into account the full formulations, besides misleading consumers only on the basis of pH. The ad’s purpose was not to promote a product by Sebamed, but to discourage consumer from purchasing HUL’s products, it argued. Dev Bajpai, executive director, legal and corporate affairs, HUL, said: “HUL’s brands are time-tested and have always delivered on the promise they have made to their consumers. However, Sebamed’s ad is misleading consumers on soap efficacy during these difficult times.”

Shashi Ranjan, India country head, Sebamed, however, said the company having a product range with pH 5.5 benefits, stands by its claims, and the ad was not targeted at any particular brand or company. “We have not been served any court order as yet. We are a responsible organization and we abide by the law of the land,” he said.