Delhi HC bars HUL from comparative promotions between Ponds and Nivea

Delhi: The Delhi High Court has issued a restraining order against Hindustan Unilever, prohibiting them from promoting or advertising 'Ponds' products by comparing them directly or indirectly to 'Nivea' products through their sales representatives in Delhi and Gurugram malls.

According to reports by Live Law, Justice Anish Dayal deemed this action as potentially damaging to Nivea's reputation and business. The interim injunction was issued in response to a lawsuit filed by Beiersdorf AG, the manufacturer of Nivea products, against HUL. 

The plaintiff alleged that HUL's marketing involved comparing a cream in a blue tub resembling Nivea Crème to 'Ponds Superlight Gel', leading to customer confusion. 

Justice Dayal highlighted the significance of the blue colour associated with Nivea and questioned HUL's choice of using a similar blue tub. 

The court emphasised that advertising laws extend to in-mall campaigns and ordered HUL to cease such comparative marketing activities, which could disparage Nivea's products or business.