About Us
FAQ
Global Law Experts Logo
Global Law Experts Logo

Find a Global Law Expert

Specialism
Country
Practice Area

Awards

Since 2010, the Global Law Experts annual awards have been celebrating excellence, innovation and performance across the legal communities from around the world.

Pharmacies not allowed to offer promotional gifts in the case of fixed-price pharmaceuticals

posted 6 years ago

Pharmacies are not allowed to offer their customers promotional gifts when the latter are purchasing prescription medicinal products. That was the verdict of the Oberverwaltungsgericht (OVG) NRW, North Rhine-Westphalia’s Higher Administrative Court, in two rulings from September 8, 2017.
Consumers in Germany are accustomed to prescription pharmaceuticals being the same price in every pharmacy. We at the commercial law firm GRP Rainer Rechtsanwälte note that German pharmacies are not allowed to deviate from this pharmaceutical pricing regulation and therefore cannot grant price reductions or discounts in the case of prescription or other fixed-price medicinal products or promote these products on this basis. Moreover, the uniform selling price cannot be circumvented by having the customers receive vouchers or other material assets when purchasing medications. That was he verdict of the Oberverwaltungsgericht NRW in two judgments from September 8, 2017 (Az.: 13 A 2979/15 and 13 A 3027/15).
Both rulings stem from the following set of facts: Two pharmacists had promoted vouchers that could be redeemed by submitting a prescription. After presenting the voucher, the customers would receive a pair of cosy socks or wrapping paper. The competent pharmaceutical society viewed this as a violation of the pricing controls for prescription medicinal products and prohibited these types of vouchers from being issued. The legal action brought by the pharmacists against this decision was unsuccessful.
The OVG held that the promised non-cash benefits such as the cosy socks and wrapping paper gave consumers the impression that the medication was cheaper in these pharmacies than in others. This was a violation of the pharmaceutical pricing regulation, as customers were receiving everyday goods for redeeming the voucher. The Court went on to say that the fact that these were material assets of little value was insignificant, because no de minimis limit applies to the price controls.
The OVG also noted that a ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union finding that these price-fixing regulations do not apply to foreign mail-order pharmacies does not affect the price controls. The Court clarified that this competitive advantage that foreign mail-order pharmacies have has yet to seriously impact domestic pharmacies negatively.
There is often a fine line that needs to be tread when it comes to advertising for pharmacies as well as other health organisations. Violations of competition law can be met with severe penalties. Lawyers who are experienced in the field of industrial property can offer advice and take appropriate legal measures in the event of violations.
https://www.grprainer.com/en/legal-advice/intellectual-property-law-and-trademark-law/advertising.html

Author

Find the right Legal Expert for your business

The premier guide to leading legal professionals throughout the world

Specialism
Country
Practice Area
0
LAWYERS RECOGNIZED
0 m+
EVALUATIONS OF LAWYERS BY THEIR PEERS
0
PRACTICE AREAS
0
COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD

Join

0
who are already getting the benefits

Sign up for the latest legal briefings and news within Global Law Experts’ community, as well as a whole host of features, editorial and conference updates direct to your email inbox.

Naturally you can unsubscribe at any time.

Newsletter Sign Up

About Us

Global Law Experts is dedicated to providing exceptional legal services to clients around the world. With a vast network of highly skilled and experienced lawyers, we are committed to delivering innovative and tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of our clients in various jurisdictions.

Contact Us

Stay Informed

Join Mailing List

GLE