Complan denial in ad battle

Complan, currently involved in a litigation with its rival brand Horlick's, has told the Calcutta High Court that its advertisement did not distort the image of its rival or mislead the public in any manner.

The manufacturer of Horlick's, Glaxo Smithkline Healthcare Ltd, had filed a suit in the Calcutta High Court, alleging an advertisement telecast recently by Heinz India, the producer of Complan, showing Horlicks offered lesser benefits than Complan.

Following the suit, Glaxo had filed a petition for injunction. The Court directed the parties to file affidavits in the case.

Complan filed its affidavit stating the advertisement did not violate any law or disparage the product of others.

The court directed Complan to telecast the advertisement without showing the cup with marked "H".

The affidavit filed by the Complan denied that "Complan cup shows a growth as compared to brand "H" cup or that it is any way depicted that brand "H" cup registers nil growth as alleged".

The affidavit stated, "It is a fact that Complan has 100 per cent more milk protein than brand "H" assuming the same to be Horlicks".

It is a fact milk protein gives growing power and Complan has 23 vital nutrients with an enjoyable taste, the affidavit claimed.

The affidavit also denied and disputed that the advertisement in question made any claim regarding superiority of Complan over Horlicks that is clinical or scientific tests or evidence in India.

The case has been slated for final hearing on September 17, 2004.