Use of Chang logo for water, soda opposed by anti-alcohol group
The Anti-alcohol Consumption Network recently called for the withdrawal of the "Chang" beer trademark on bottled water and soda, claiming that the giant alcohol beverage producer has used its logo as surreptitious advertising.
The Alcohol Beverage Control Act bans alcohol producers from airing their commercials on television in the daytime, but instead they advertise other products such as water and soda with the same trademark during the prohibited period.
Pajchima Tanasanti, director-general of the Intellectual Property Department, said last week that the trademark owner could submit its defence against the objection within 60 days before the department starts an investigation.
The network's letter said alcohol producers can lure and stimulate consumers into drinking more alcohol beverages. The "Chang" beer trademark has been employed for a long time and is well-recognised by consumers. Duplicating the trademark for other products is like an indirect advertisement for Chang beer.
Three anti-alcohol parties joined in filing the objection against using the "Chang" logo for drinking water and soda - Samarn Futrakul, director of the Public Health Ministry's Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, the Foundation of Media for Youth and officials of the Alcohol Beverage Control Act.
Samarn said the Chang beer trademark on other products should not be accepted, as it would create confusion among consumers. The government will also face difficulties enforcing the law if other alcohol beverage producers want to register their trademark for other products.
The department has also received objections from the Public Health Ministry for trademarks using the words "Light" and "Mild" to describe cigarettes. Those two words will attract more people to smoke as they could misunderstand that the products are less dangerous to health.
The department is now investigating that case, Pajchima added.
