The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ruled against Henkel AG, the producer of the well known PRITT glue stick, in a dispute with Trefoil Manufacturing over the colour of its glue stick. In essence, the ASA has said Henkel AG has no exclusive rights in South Africa to the red of its glue stick and the advertising associated with the product. Local IP dispute expert Carl Van Rooyen is heavily quoted in Supermarket Online. A copy of the decision will be made available shortly. Afro-IP went orange reporting the difficulties faced by brand owners trying to protect single colours before the ASA here. That's the ASA's position and they are sticking to it! Well, we will see - Afro-IP understands that the Pritt decision is on appeal.
Meanwhile some depressing news is that head of CIPRO (Keith Sendwe) is apparently off sick and "very ill". Afro-IP wishes him a speedy recovery. Business Report though is less sympathetic.
Mark Schweizer of IPKAT writing for the excellent Class 46 Marques blog brings us an example of brand tarnishment and shows sensitivity to his American audience here. Afro Leo would like to think his post was inspired by all the pomp and ceremony last Friday on Afro-IP.
Please keep an eye out for commentry on the Oilwell decision, coming soon.
