A European-based trade body of independent practitioners, which fought against a global multiple over an advertising campaign, has won its battle in court.
The case was raised by the Belgian association of independent opticians and optometrists (APOOB) which objected to a promotion by giant international eyewear company Pearle Vision.
The Association took action after the campaign - which claimed that spectacles sold at Pearle stores were 35 per cent cheaper than those sold at traditional independent practices - began earlier this year. APOOB stated the claim was 'misleading and disparaging against independent opticians'.
A tribunal based in Leuven, Belgium heard that Pearle Vision had used the claim in its television and press advertising.
On June 28 the court ruled in favour of the association and ordered Pearle Vision to end the campaign immediately.
'The advert gives an inaccurate impression of the cost of spectacles provided by independents, who, by comparison with Pearle, are shown in an unfavourable light,' said a spokesperson for Apoob.
The decision was made public on July 15.
News
Independents win battle with advert giant
A European-based trade body of independent practitioners, which fought against a global multiple over an advertising campaign, has won its battle in court.
