MART reminded that copying competitors' product packaging is unacceptable

February 24, MINSK . The Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade (MART) of Belarus has indicated that copying competitors' product packaging is unacceptable, BELTA reports citing MART.

The label and product packaging are the first thing a consumer sees on a store shelf. In a competitive environment, companies sometimes copy or imitate popular brands' product packaging. They do not necessarily use identical designs; sometimes they copy the style, color scheme, and location of the main individualizing elements.
The Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade emphasized that copying packaging may mislead consumers about the manufacturer of the offered product, lead to the loss of part of the target audience and, accordingly, profits, and harm the brand's reputation.

The Ministry recalled Article 29 of Law No. 94-Z of December 12, 2013 "On Combating Monopolistic Activity and Developing Competition", according to which unfair competition is prohibited by an economic entity's actions that can create confusion with the activities of another economic entity or with goods introduced by a competitor into civil circulation in Belarus.

If a competitor's actions show signs of violating antimonopoly legislation, it is recommended to contact the Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade to protect your rights.

The requirements for filing a violation report are set forth in Article 38 of the Law "On Combating Monopolistic Activity and Developing Competition".

In accordance with Article 13.33 of the Code of Administrative Offences, the maximum fine for a legal entity for unfair competition is 10% of the amount of revenue from the sale of goods (work, services) for the year, the minimum fine is 400 base amounts.