9623004
B236679

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

In the Matter of

LONDON INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC., a corporation.

DOCKET NO. C-3800

COMPLAINT

The Federal Trade Commission, having reason to believe that London International Group, Inc., a corporation, has violated the provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act, and it appearing to the Commission that this proceeding is in the public interest, alleges:

1. Respondent London International Group, Inc. is a New Jersey corporation with its principal office or place of business at 3585 Engineering Drive, Norcross, Georgia 30092.

2. Respondent has manufactured, advertised, labeled, offered for sale, sold, and distributed products to the public, including "Ramses" brand condoms. Ramses brand condoms are "devices," within the meaning of Sections 12 and 15 of the Federal Trade Commission Act.

3. The acts and practices of respondent alleged in this complaint have been in or affecting commerce, as "commerce" is defined in Section 4 of the Federal Trade Commission Act.

4. Respondent has disseminated or has caused to be disseminated advertisements for Ramses brand condoms, including but not necessarily limited to the attached Exhibits A through C. These advertisements contain the following statements and depictions:

A. “it won't give you X-ray vision or bionic strength. but it will make you a hero tonight. Ramses* gives you the sensitivity and natural feeling you want. and because it's 30% stronger than the leading brand, it performs like a champ. so you can too. Ramses®. a trusted companion. *Ramses® regular strength condoms.”

[The advertisement depicts an individual condom wrapper labeled: “RAMSES CONDOM”] (Exhibit A).

B. “WOMEN PREFER THE STRONG SENSITIVE TYPE. Ramses provides both strength and sensitivity with that exquisite natural feel. And 30% more strength* than the leading brand. Now all you need to do is learn to cry. Ramses. A Trusted Companion. *Ramses regular strength condoms.”

[The advertisement depicts an individual condom wrapper labeled: “durex RAMSES 1 PREMIUM CONDOM LATEX”] (Exhibit B).

C. “IT’S TRUE. WOMEN WANT WHAT'S IN YOUR WALLET. It's not the money they're after. It's the sensitivity. The natural feel. All that added strength* (30% more than the leading brand). An empty wallet can be a beautiful thing. Ramses. A Trusted Companion. *Ramses regular strength condoms.”

[The advertisement depicts an individual condom wrapper labeled: “durex RAMSES 1 PREMIUM CONDOM LATEX”] (Exhibit C).

5. Through the means described in Paragraph 4, respondent has represented, expressly or by implication, that:

A. Ramses brand condoms are thirty percent stronger than the leading brand.

B. Ramses brand condoms break thirty percent less often than the leading brand.

6. Through the means described in Paragraph 4, respondent has represented, expressly or by implication, that it possessed and relied upon a reasonable basis that substantiated the representations set forth in Paragraph 5, at the time the representations were made.

7. In truth and in fact, respondent did not possess and rely upon a reasonable basis that substantiated the representations set forth in Paragraph 5, at the time the representations were made. Respondent submitted inadequate data to substantiate its claim that Ramses brand condoms are thirty percent stronger than other condoms. Respondent also submitted inadequate substantiation for the claim that Ramses brand condoms break thirty percent less often than other condoms. Therefore, the representation set forth in Paragraph 6 was, and is, false or misleading.

8. The acts and practices of respondent as alleged in this complaint constitute unfair or deceptive acts or practices, and the making of false advertisements, in or affecting commerce in violation of Sections 5(a) and 12 of the Federal Trade Commission Act.

THEREFORE, the Federal Trade Commission this seventh day of April, 1998, has issued this complaint against respondent.

By the Commission.

Donald S. Clark
Secretary

SEAL: