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An ad for Wipro Safewash Liquid has been banned after Godrej Consumer Products Ltd, makers of Ezee liquid detergent, filed a complaint in a Punjab court, claiming that Wipro’s ad shows a direct comparison of Safewash with Ezee
Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), makers of Ezee liquid detergent, has obtained an injunction in a Punjab court against a print campaign released by Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting (WCCL) for its liquid detergent brand, Wipro Safewash. According to GCPL, the ad in question shows a direct comparison of Wipro Safewash and Godrej Ezee, clearly touting the former as superior.
Apart from the open use of the name, Ezee, Godrej also found the use of the exact logo to be an infringement/legal violation. Says a source at GCPL, “A comparison of ingredients and price in such an indiscriminate manner is what led the company to take action.”
GCPL had filed a petition challenging the advertisement by WCCL on the grounds that the ad was “disparaging and misleading the consumer”. At a Ludhiana district court, WCCL has been told to restrain from showing such advertising in the future in any form, direct or indirect. The court has passed an ad interim injunction order restraining Wipro from continuing the controversial advertisement.
According to the court directive, if Wipro has any objection on the ruling, then it can file an application on or before December 10, 2007.