CCP disposes of show-cause notices against PakWheels.

ISLAMABAD -- The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has passed an order deciding the matter of alleged deceptive marketing practices by PakWheels (Pvt) Limited for fraudulently using the trademark of OLX Classified Pakistan (OLX).

The CCP's bench comprising Ms Shaista Bano and Ms Bushra Naz Malik passed the order after hearing both the parties, and in view of the absence of reliable evidence, set aside the enquiry report and disposed of the show-cause notices against PakWheels.

OLX complained to the CCP that PakWheels had been copying advertisements/listings and photographs bearing its watermarked logo and posting on their website without authorization. By doing so, PakWheels was allegedly gaining commercial benefits from the reputation, goodwill and customer base of OLX by falsely implying and promoting its services/business to be the same or connected to or authorized by OLX. OLX alleged that such an unauthorized use of its trademark by PakWheels was a violation of Section 10 of the Competition Act, 2010.

The CCP's enquiry found that PakWheels was, prima facie, fraudulently using the registered trademark and logo of OLX along with the photographs and description without its authorization or consent. Consequently, PakWheels was found, prima facie, to have been engaged in distributing false and misleading information to the consumers related to the properties and place of production in violation of Section 10. On the enquiry's recommendations, a show cause notice was issued to PakWheels and hearings were held in the matter.

PakWheels denied the allegations and stated that the online platforms posting classified advertisements...