Castrol North America announced today that a New Jersey federal court has ordered an immediate halt to Pennzoil Quaker State Co.’s current advertising campaign for Pennzoil multi-grade motor oil. The court found Pennzoil’s nationwide ad campaign — which features quarterback Brett Favre — to be “false and misleading” and “repugnant” to federal advertising law.
Among other things, the injunction issued by United States District Judge Alfred M. Wolin enjoined Pennzoil from making any claim (1) that its oil is in any way superior to Castrol or any other leading motor oil and (2) that its oil provides better protection against engine wear or engine failure than Castrol or any other leading motor oil. The injunction is effective immediately and applies to all forms of advertising, including television, cable television, print, the Internet and the World Wide Web. Judge Wolin reserved for later decision the questions of whether to hold Pennzoil in contempt of court, whether Pennzoil would be required to pay Castrol monetary damages, and whether Pennzoil will be liable for punitive damages.
Go deeper with GlobalData
“Castrol is gratified that the court has acted to halt Pennzoil’s false advertising campaign.” said Paul Waterman, General Manager – Retail of Castrol North America. “Castrol remains committed to offering the highest quality products to motorists, and we will continue to take effective action against consumer deception.”
Castrol was represented by Lewis R. Clayton of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison.
