Newsletter
Trademarks of Tobacco or Drugs Not Allowed to be used in Sponsoring TV Programs
It is quite common that the trademark owners will promote their trademarks, trademarked products or services by placing advertisements by digital audio-visual means, through electronic media, on the Internet, or through other media.
Under the local laws and regulations in Taiwan, although it is possible to promote the products or services by using the trademarks at the TV advertisements, it is not definitely legitimate for enterprises to sponsor the TV programs and then demonstrating their trademarks or trademarked products among the TV programs.
The National Communications Commission (NCC) has stipulated "National Communications Commission Temporary Directions of Sponsorship in TV Programs" and "Directions on Distinction of Programs and Commercials of the National Communications Commission" to regulate the activities in sponsoring the TV programs. According to the Directions, enterprises of the tobacco or drugs are strictly prohibited to sponsor any TV programs and then trademarks to promote the tobacco or drugs will not be allowed to be used in sponsoring TV programs. As to the alcoholic products, enterprises may sponsor the TV programs under certain restrictive conditions.
Accordingly, trademark owners should pay more attention to the relevant Directions as stipulated by the NCC when they intend to promote their trademarks or trademarked products by sponsoring the TV programs.