Forum Update: Supporting Community-Led Discussion
The forum was created as a space for shared learning and peer support, and as the community grows, we want to lean more fully into that purpose.
Going forward, PAAB will be taking a more listening-first role in forum discussions. Rather than responding immediately to every question, we’ll be encouraging members to engage with one another, share experiences, and help build collective understanding. PAAB will continue to monitor conversations and will step in to:
- Correct any misunderstandings
- Provide guidance when questions remain unanswered after a few days
- Support discussions where official clarification is needed
Our goal is to foster a collaborative, trusted community where knowledge is shared and strengthened by everyone’s contributions.
Thank you for being part of the conversation.
Corporate messages
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Hi, I would like to know what is the definition of a corporate message under section 1.5 of the PAAB code.
Section 1.5 mentions that "Corporate Messages that do not Contain Product Information or Product Lists" would not be subject to pre-clearance. However, section 7.4 states that "[Corporate advertising /promotion systems] may be used at any time at the discretion of the advertiser but must be submitted for PAAB preclearance prior to publication." The same section says that "Product information does not have to accompany corporate advertising," which suggests that even corporate messages without product information must be submitted for pre-clearance. This seems to contradict the section 1.5.
So my question is, what is the definition of a corporate message under section 1.5 vs. section 7.4? Thank you.
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Hi, I would like to know what is the definition of a corporate message under section 1.5 of the PAAB code.
Section 1.5 mentions that "Corporate Messages that do not Contain Product Information or Product Lists" would not be subject to pre-clearance. However, section 7.4 states that "[Corporate advertising /promotion systems] may be used at any time at the discretion of the advertiser but must be submitted for PAAB preclearance prior to publication." The same section says that "Product information does not have to accompany corporate advertising," which suggests that even corporate messages without product information must be submitted for pre-clearance. This seems to contradict the section 1.5.
So my question is, what is the definition of a corporate message under section 1.5 vs. section 7.4? Thank you.
Hi @nhem
The entirety of 7.4 states:
Corporate Advertising / Promotion Systems (APS) These are designed to create and maintain a favorable image of a company, its products and its services. See Section 1.5: Materials Not Subject to PAAB Review. These systems may be used at any time at the discretion of the advertiser but must be submitted for PAAB preclearance prior to publication. They must not contain therapeutic or other claims of product merit or status. They may contain:
1. A general statement about the pharmaceutical company, its products and its service(s) and policies.
2. A partial or complete list or illustration of products manufactured and/ or distributed by the company, along with their respective therapeutic or pharmacologic classifications
3. Product information does not have to accompany corporate advertising.
This therefore conveys that corporate messages which do not contain product information or product lists (direct or indirect) are exempt per 1.5. The remaining scope of corporate advertising is subject to review per 7.4. As an example:
“Company X employs 2000 Canadians” is a corporate message that does not speak to products or product lists. This message (as a stand-alone message), would be considered exempt.
“Company X is the proud manufacture of Product Y” is a corporate message that contains product information. This APS would be subject to review.
“Company X is dedicated to research in the treatment of condition Y” would be subject to preclearance as it alludes to products when it states “treatment”.
The copy “Product information does not have to accompany corporate advertising” refers to the fact that corporate messages may make mention of products, but do not require the fair balance or TMA link if they meet the spirit of a corporate message and are not brand promotions.
