Clause 10 - Brandsharing
Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Bill
6:45 pm
Mrs Caroline Spelman (Meriden, Conservative)
I suspect that the basic principle to which the hon. Gentleman refers comes under competition law—which is outside my sphere of competence. The question of whether start-up companies with logos similar to that of the original bearer of a logo can be perceived as having infringed on the market share of the original company is probably more accurately dealt with in the context of competition law.
The amendment deals with the need to recognise the efforts of a company that distances itself from an emblem that clearly and identifiably resembles—or replicates—a cigarette brand logo. The company that we are debating has been in discussion with the Government and was actively encouraged to draft amendments to deal with its dilemma. There are no Government amendments to the clause—although some may be in the pipeline—and we do not seem to be addressing the problem. Does the Minister intend to bring forward proposals to deal with difficulties such as those faced by Worldwide Brands?