Abbott Laboratories: EULAR 2011 conference bag sponsorship ruled an unacceptable promotional aid (AUTH/2408/6/11)

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Key facts

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Case number	AUTH/2408/6/11
Complainant	Hospital consultant rheumatologist (non-contactable)
Company	Abbott Laboratories Limited
Issue	Provision/sponsorship of branded conference bags at EULAR 2011 in London
Event	European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) meeting, London, 25–28 May 2011
Branding on item	“Abbott” and “A Promise for Life” (with EULAR logo/dates)
Applicable Code year	2011
Breach clauses	Clause 18.1
Complaint received	14 June 2011
Case completed	06 July 2011
Appeal	No appeal
Sanctions applied	Undertaking received
Additional sanctions	Not stated

Reviewed by Dr Anzal Qurbain (FFPM) — ABPI Final Signatory

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A consultant rheumatologist complained about delegates receiving an official EULAR 2011 conference bag in London (25–28 May 2011) branded with “Abbott” and the tagline “A Promise for Life”.
The complainant queried why a branded bag was provided after the 2011 Code “grace period” had ended, and reported receiving inconsistent explanations from Abbott officials.
Abbott explained the sponsorship was arranged by its international team (based in France) as part of a corporate sponsorship package selected on 15 September 2010, and that Abbott UK was not notified.
Because Abbott UK was not notified, the activity was not reviewed/certified in the UK as required (Abbott referenced Clause 14 in its response).
The bags were distributed by EULAR at an official registration desk as part of the delegate pack (alongside items such as an abstract book, Oyster card, Wi‑Fi password and programme).
The Panel noted the 2011 Code (effective 1 January 2011) prohibited promotional aids, with a transition period to 30 April 2011; the meeting took place after that period.

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Breach found: Clause 18.1.
The Panel ruled that providing the conference bag (bearing Abbott branding) was an unacceptable promotional aid under the 2011 Code.
No appeal.

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