At Aston Bond, our experienced team of solicitors know that when creating an advert, it is important to adhere to the strict guidelines and laws governing what can be advertised and how.
All too often, advertisements fail at this; causing offence or failing to meet basic legal requirements. The body governing broadcast and non-broadcast advertisements (the Advertising Standards Agency) have published a list of the most complained about adverts of the last year, some of which were even banned.
The number one spot went to Paddy Power’s advert encouraging bets on the Oscar Pistorious murder trial. This advert was eventually banned by the ASA after receiving over 5,000 complaints. The reasoning behind ASA’s decision was that the advert trivialised the murder trial, death of a woman, and disability.
Another advert that found itself banned was a competition run by The Sun offering entrants the opportunity to win a date with a Page 3 model. Complaints nearly reached 2,000 as viewers thought the advert was sexist. The ASA accordingly upheld the complaints.
Also making the list of most complained about adverts were adverts by IQ Channels Ltd and TADServices Ltd, both of whom had created false impressions of being government websites. The ASA took action by commissioning consumer research and working to remove misleading claims, imagery and emblems.
If you wish to promote your product or services through advertisements, contact our team of experience solicitors today who can guide you on the relevant requirements and legalities surrounding advertisements. Visit us at our offices at Windsor Crown House, 7 Windsor Road, SL1 2DX or call us on 01753 486 777.