Thurgau government rejects new regulation of the UWG

With the amendment to the Federal Act against Unfair Competition (UCA), the federal government intends to create a new special offense against ambush marketing, also known as parasite marketing. The Thurgau government rejects the planned amendment in its consultation with the federal government. Such a change would only lead to more court proceedings and therefore more costs for the cantons. The federal government merely wanted to fulfill a wish of UEFA for the EURO 2008 European Championship. The Thurgau government criticizes that this would further cement UEFA's already existing market power. This would lead to further cost increases for sponsors and television broadcasters. The federal government wants to amend the UWG because - in connection with the 2008 European Football Championship - an increased use of this marketing method must be expected. In the opinion of the Thurgau cantonal government, however, the creation of a new offense is unnecessary. The current trademark law and the current Unfair Competition Act already regulate the extent to which third parties are allowed to approximate the trademarks, advertising and market presence of others, according to a press release from the SDA news agency.