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ARTICLE · 19 OCTOBER 2009

OFT Launches Two Advertising And Pricing Market Studies

CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang
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On 15 October 2009 the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) announced that it is undertaking two new market studies which are aimed at clarifying and updating the understanding of consumer harm that arises from potentially misleading advertising and pricing.

United KingdomConsumer Protection
Caroline Hobson
Caroline Hobson
Susan Barty
Susan Barty
Susie Carr
Susie Carr

On 15 October 2009 the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) announced that it is undertaking two new market studies which are aimed at clarifying and updating the understanding of consumer harm that arises from potentially misleading advertising and pricing.

One of the main motivations for the study is the diversification of advertising and pricing practices on the internet. The legislation relating to these practices has also changed recently. The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (CPRs) came into force on 26 May 2008. The study will also consider how the law applies to internet transactions

The studies will cover on the one hand online targeting of advertising and prices and on the other hand, advertising of prices. This announcement follows a consultation period which commenced in August 2009 and canvassed the view of Government, trade organisations, consumer groups and the advertising industry.

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