AUTH/3829/9/23: Complainant v GSK — event website sponsorship declaration (no breach)

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Key facts

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Case number	AUTH/3829/9/23
Company	GSK UK Limited
Complainant	Anonymous, contactable
Issue	Alleged lack of sponsorship declaration on event website homepage and registration pages
Material/channel	Third-party event website (homepage, programme, sponsor pages, registration pages)
Applicable Code	2021
Clauses considered	2, 5.1, 10.9
Panel decision	No breach of Clauses 10.9, 5.1, 2
Complaint received	25 September 2023
Case completed	18 December 2024
Appeal	No appeal
Sanctions	None stated

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

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An anonymous complainant alleged an HCP conference website did not disclose that GSK funded/sponsored the event on the homepage or registration pages.
The complaint cited Clauses 10.9, 5.1 and 2 (2021 Code).
GSK stated it was one of multiple sponsors; the event was organised by an independent media company and GSK had no role in agenda/speaker selection beyond its own sponsored session.
GSK said the website included: a “Sponsors” tab, a homepage disclaimer with a link to the sponsor list, and registration-page text stating the event was supported by educational grants and that sponsors could be found on the event website.
The Panel reviewed screenshots of the homepage and registration journey, including the sponsor-related links and disclaimers.

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No breach of Clause 10.9 (sponsorship declaration sufficiently prominent and accessible from the outset).
No breach of Clause 5.1 (high standards maintained).
No breach of Clause 2 (no discredit to the industry).
No appeal.

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