Comparative
O2 and 3 reach the ECJ
The ECJ has held that comparative adverts ARE subject to trade mark law, so advertisers should be wary how they refer to their competitors' marks, particularly in view of the alternative sanctions under new unfair commercial practices laws. Emily Devlin fights her way through the bubbles.

Product placement
"No product placement, we're British" Minister fails to learn from history On the eve of a Government consultation on whether to liberalise UK TV product placement controls, the idea has been apparently squashed by … er.. the Government. Shades of the nuclear power consultation that had to be repeated? Carla Basso reports.

Brands
Brands at the crossroads breakfast briefing 9 July  Now that we have (almost) the last word on the O2/3 comparative advertising case, join Osborne Clarke London's advertising and intellectual property specialists for bubbles, bacon butties and a quarter day intensive on brands, ads and the law.

Promotion marketing
easyJet Funcard promo not up to scratch Press ads for an easyJet scratchcard prize promotion claimed "Thousands of other cash prizes up for grabs", and that there was a "No Purchase Necessary" route. David Pawan analyses the ensuing ASA verdict and considers the turbulence easyJet could have faced under new unfair commercial practices regulations.

Financial services
FSA ducks "name and shame" opportunity  The Financial Services Authority is reviewing its enforcement approach and has published a consultation paper on "Transparency as a regulatory tool". Has it decided finally to follow the ASA example and publish financial promotions case reports? Kate Johnson investigates.

Promotion marketing
Joined-up enforcement on premium rate promotions?  When prize promos using premium rate lines get lottery laws wrong, the Gambling Commission and premium line regulator PayphonePlus may both be considering enforcement action. Now these bodies have agreed a Memorandum of Understanding for a common approach, but what about other enforcers who might also be concerned? Nick Johnson reports.

Promotion marketing
Misfortune or carelessness for promotion trade body?  Fresh from a controversial and some might say scaremongering suggestion that new unfair commercial practices laws banned a particular promotional tool, surely the Institute of Sales Promotion has not done the same again? Stephen Groom looks at a recent ISP pronouncement.

Tobacco
More tobacco controls planned  The Department of Health is consulting on draconian restrictions on tobacco product packaging. These could see the end of brands on packs, but how can UK Plc take with one hand what it gives with the other in the form of protection for registered trade marks? James Baker investigates.

Telecoms
Ofcom leans on industry to come up with broadband ad code  Ofcom has recently invited internet service providers (ISPs) to sign up to a "voluntary" code in order to regulate how they advertise broadband speeds. Omar Bucchioni reports.

Consumer protection
Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Bill breaks cover  Soon after key changes to UK consumer protection laws under new "unfair commercial practices" regulations, HM Govt is now looking at radical changes to how they should be enforced. James Baker introduces the "Local Better Regulation Office" and other delights.

Consumer protection
Unfair commercial practices law summary  Marketinglaw.co.uk has covered many aspects of the new unfair commercial practices laws in force since 26th May 2008, but now at last, by way of a paper written by marketinglaw editor Stephen Groom and Emily Jones for the Direct Marketing Association of America, is a summary of all key points.

Prices
Was "Free Delivery" Mother's Day offer really free?  An Interflora promotional email announced free delivery for Mother's Day but an asterisk said the offer only applied to standard, next day deliveries. A late, but dutiful daughter charged £5 complained to the ASA. David Pawan reports the ASA verdict and the lessons.