96 - Is it possible to include any brand/company logo to media materials such as a press release or fact sheet?
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Press releases to the public should be nonpromotional and thus, are exempt from PAAB review, and you should avoid conflicting with the federal Direct-to-Consumer advertising regulations. Please refer to the Health Canada guidance document "The Distinction Between Advertising and Other Activities" for the section titled "Press Releases/Press conferences". It is available at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/advert-publicit/pol/actv_promo_vs_info-eng.php It gives criteria when a press release is nonpromotional and therefore not subject to advertising regulations. The company logo would be fine in most cases. The brand logo may be questioned if other elements appear to make the document promotional of a particular drug. Branding is seen as a promotional activity and we would recommend not using the brand logo if the intent is to make a nonpromotional press release.
