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Comparative Advertising

Advertising that names or clearly identifies a competitor. Permitted in the United States when claims are truthful and substantiated, and encouraged by the FTC; restricted or effectively prohibited in several other countries. Trademark use in comparative ads and in competitor keyword bidding is governed by separate case law.

Cite this entry: Agency Echelon. "Comparative Advertising." Agency Echelon Reference, reviewed September 2026. https://agencyechelon.com/reference/glossary/comparative-advertising/

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Reviewed September 23, 2026. Reference text is licensed CC BY 4.0. Privacy