Advertising Board Takes Firm Action: Combating Counterfeit Goods and Deceptive Ads

The Advertising Board has intensified its efforts against counterfeit products and misleading advertisements through decisive actions detailed in its 346th and 348th bulletins, underscoring its dedication to consumer protection and enforcement of intellectual property laws.

Social Media’s Deceptive Discounts Uncovered

During its 346th meeting on June 11, 2024, the Board reviewed 175 cases, identifying 147 legislative violations, including 17 cases involving counterfeit sneakers advertised on social media platforms. Key findings include:

- Promotions falsely presenting counterfeit products as genuine brands such as Nike, Adidas, and New Balance.

- Directing consumers to purchase via instant messaging or online platforms.

- Claims of discounts were proven to be deceptive.

The violations were assessed as follows:

- Article 61 of Consumer Protection Law No. 6502 - Mandating honest advertising that doesn’t exploit consumer inexperience.

- Regulation on Commercial Advertising and Unfair Commercial Practices - Requiring truthfulness and respect for intellectual property rights.

The Board imposed administrative fines totaling 20,100,269 TL (approx. 590,807.41 USD), ordered the removal of  these misleading ads, and blocked access to three infringing social media accounts, clearly signaling its stance against fraudulent advertising.

Fake E-Commerce Site Faces Access Ban

At its 348th meeting on August 13, 2024, the Board investigated the website www.longchampsturkiye.com (Case 2024/4484), finding it guilty of:

- Selling counterfeit “Longchamps” products and accepting payments in “Chinese Yuan” without delivering purchased items.

- Misleading consumers by pretending to be an authorized distributor.

- Lacking transparency with no company information, contact details, or physical address.

These findings violated:

- Article 61 of Consumer Protection Law No. 6502 - Requiring truthful, accurate advertising.

- Regulation on Commercial Advertising and Unfair Commercial Practices - Prohibiting intellectual property infringement.

As a result, the Board completely blocked the website, citing its lack of valid electronic communication channels.

Future Measures: Enhancing Compliance and Protection

The Board’s actions send a clear message: deceptive advertising and intellectual property violations will not be tolerated. Future efforts will focus on:

- Strengthening monitoring systems and leveraging advanced technology to detect fraudulent activities.

- Collaborating with international regulatory bodies and technology platforms to tackle cross-border issues.

- Encouraging companies to adopt stricter compliance measures and enhance transparency.

Consumers can expect stronger regulatory frameworks that emphasize their rights and promote fair marketplace practices. The Board’s proactive approach serves as a strong  message against potential violations, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a transparent and reliable marketplace.