Lakme Ad Next to Derma Co’s Ad Mocks Latter’s Product, Delhi HC Orders to Change it
In the world of advertising, the age-old game of one-upmanship often takes center stage. However, in a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the industry, a leading cosmetic brand, Lakme, has been ordered by the Delhi High Court to tweak its advertising campaign within 24 hours. The reason behind this order? Lakme’s advertisement, placed next to a rival brand, Derma Co’s, mocked the latter’s sunscreen product, claiming that Derma Co’s product offers SPF20 when it actually claims to offer SPF50.
This controversy began when Derma Co took notice of Lakme’s ad, which was placed alongside its own ad in a prominent newspaper. In the ad, Lakme questioned how Derma Co’s product could remain the number one sunscreen for 18 months if it was ineffective. This was seen as a direct attack on Derma Co’s product, with many taking to social media to express their outrage.
Derma Co, understandably, did not take this lying down. The company responded by saying, “How’d our product remain number one…for 18 months…if [it] was ineffective?” This statement was seen as a clear defense of its product, and a counter-attack against Lakme’s claims.
The Delhi High Court, taking notice of this controversy, issued an order directing Lakme to change its ad campaign within 24 hours. Additionally, the court also directed Derma Co to delete online posts disparaging Lakme. This move was seen as a clear attempt to maintain fairness and transparency in advertising, and to prevent any further escalation of the situation.
This controversy has raised important questions about the ethics of advertising and the level of scrutiny that companies should be held to. In an industry where the lines between truth and exaggeration are often blurred, it is essential that companies are held accountable for their actions.
In this case, Lakme’s ad was seen as a clear attempt to discredit Derma Co’s product, and to gain an unfair advantage in the market. The Delhi High Court’s order is a clear indication that such tactics will not be tolerated, and that companies must be transparent and honest in their advertising campaigns.
Derma Co’s response to the controversy was also noteworthy. The company’s statement, which questioned how its product could remain number one if it was ineffective, was seen as a clear defense of its product. This move not only showed that Derma Co was standing by its product, but also that it was willing to engage with its critics and address any concerns they may have.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Lakme’s ad and Derma Co’s response is a clear indication that the advertising industry must be held to a higher standard. Companies must be transparent and honest in their advertising campaigns, and must not engage in tactics that are designed to discredit their competitors. The Delhi High Court’s order is a clear indication that such tactics will not be tolerated, and that companies must be held accountable for their actions.
