Armenian antitrust agency fines two companies for unfair competition
14.09.2012,
21:22
Armenia’s State Commission for Protection of Economic Competition decided Friday to fine two companies for unfair competition.
YEREVAN, September 14. /ARKA/. Armenia’s State Commission for Protection of Economic Competition decided Friday to fine two companies for unfair competition.
Hayk Vardanyan, the chief expert at the commission, said Martirosyan Father and Son economic entity will be fined for their radio commercial, which, in a clear breach of the law, stated that this is the best company not only in Armenia, but also in the region.
The second wrongdoer, the chain of garment-selling shops Mango, announced 50-percent discount for the whole range of products, but this was inconsistent with the real facts – this discount didn’t apply to all garments.
“This is a classic case of delusion of buyers,” Vardanyan said.
He said that some 20 large shops which announced discounts were inspected in Yerevan, and breaches were found only at one economic entity.
Vardanyan said that the fine can’t be higher than 1% of a company’s turnover, and the antitrust agency has already sent an inquiry Armenian State Revenue Committee.
He said that another proceedings had been launched against Leenet Limited trading as Nannys, which insisted on being the rightholder and the sole representative in Armenia of the company producing Nannys pampers.
Meanwhile, Nannys and Nannys Fresh pampers and wipes in the same packing, where was written that Semi Intertrade company is the official representative of this brand, have emerged at the market.
Under the economic competition law, usage of a trademark without the rightholder’s consent is considered illegal.
Vardanyan added that the matter has been settled amicably and the companies intend to submit the their conciliation agreement to the commission.
Artak Shaboyan, head of the antitrust commission, said that the agency will keep a close watch on conformity of ads to the law and urged economic entities and citizens to inform the commission about breaches. -0---
