Summary of Stakeholder Consultation Meeting on Surrogate Advertisements

The Department of Consumer Affairs organized a Stakeholder Consultation meeting with the Advertising Standards Council of India to discuss "Brand Extension vs. Surrogate Advertisements - Where's the Line?" The meeting aimed to address issues related to surrogate advertising, brand extensions, and trademark restrictions to protect public health and consumer rights.

• Surrogate advertisements in restricted categories undermine consumer rights.
• Clear distinctions must be made between brand extension and the advertised product.
• Advertisements should not reference prohibited products directly or indirectly.
• Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements were discussed to combat surrogate advertising effectively.

Key Points:

• Surrogate advertisements undermine consumer rights.
• Regulating agencies aim to restrict such ads for public health protection.
• Strict actions will be taken against non-compliance with laws.

The meeting highlighted the need to protect consumer rights and public health by addressing the intricate issues of surrogate advertising.

Potential Exam Questions:

• Explain the concept of surrogate advertising and its impact on consumer rights.
• Discuss the importance of clear distinctions between brand extensions and prohibited products in advertisements.
• What are the key objectives of the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements in combating surrogate advertising?

Important Takeaways: The meeting emphasized the significance of regulating surrogate advertising to safeguard consumer rights and public health, outlining clear guidelines for responsible advertising practices.