HUL takes Beco to Delhi HC over harmful chemicals claims against surf excel, Vim

A battle over advertising claims has reached the Delhi High Court, with Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) challenging a campaign by home-care brand Beco that questions the safety of ingredients used in two of its popular products, according to a news report by Bar and Bench.

HUL has approached the court against Beco’s parent company, Kwick Living (I) Private Limited, alleging commercial disparagement, trademark infringement and passing off. The dispute centres on Beco’s recent ‘WarOnWhatsHidden’ campaign targeting Surf Excel Matic Liquid and Vim Dishwash Gel.

Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani on Wednesday sought Beco’s response to HUL’s request for an interim injunction against the advertisements. The court did not immediately order Beco to stop the campaign, saying it wanted to hear from the company before taking a decision.

The matter will be heard again on August 21, while Beco has been asked to submit its response and supporting material by August 20.

WHAT BECO’S CAMPAIGN CLAIMS

Beco’s campaign uses videos, social media posts, influencer promotions and outdoor advertisements to compare its laundry and dishwashing products with Surf Excel and Vim.

The company has claimed that laboratory testing found Benzisothiazolinone (BIT) and Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS) in Surf Excel, while LAS was detected in Vim.

The advertisements link these ingredients to possible skin irritation and allergic reactions, forming the central claim of Beco’s campaign.

HUL, however, has challenged the way these findings have been presented to consumers.

HUL QUESTIONS BECO’S TESTING

Senior Advocate Amit Sibal, appearing for HUL, told the court that Beco’s tests established the presence and concentration of certain ingredients but did not establish whether the finished products could actually cause skin irritation or allergic reactions when used normally.

HUL argued that testing an individual ingredient is different from testing the safety of the complete product formulation. According to the company, Beco had not carried out the relevant safety test that could support the claims made in its advertisements.

HUL also pointed out that LAS is a widely used surfactant in cleaning products because it helps remove grease and oil. The company alleged that Beco had singled out Vim while presenting the ingredient in a way that could create a misleading impression among consumers.

DISPUTE OVER TAGLINES AND CAMPAIGN TIMING

HUL has also objected to Beco using its registered taglines, including Vim’s ‘100 nimbuon ki shakti’ and Surf Excel’s ‘Daag Achhe Hain’, while identifying the products in the campaign.

The company further alleged that the advertisements mocked its consumers and portrayed HUL as misleading customers.

HUL claimed Beco launched the campaign on the night of August 14, just ahead of its Independence Day sale. It argued that the timing made it difficult to seek immediate legal relief because of the public holiday.

Beco has sought time to respond to the allegations. The court is now expected to hear both sides before deciding whether the campaign should be temporarily restrained.

– Ends