Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2020
Criticism of Fair & Lovely's fairness marketing
The brand faced sustained criticism from activists, consumers, and commentators who argued that its advertising promoted colorism and narrow beauty standards. HUL responded by renaming the brand Glow & Lovely and changing its stated communication approach.
2020
Bombay High Court fines Emami for breaching an order
Fine or penalty
The Bombay High Court directed Emami Limited to pay INR 100,000 for violating an earlier order that temporarily restrained it from using the disputed GLOW & HANDSOME mark. HUL had accused Emami of using the mark in breach of that injunction; the court accepted an apology from a senior management staff member and directed the payment to a hospital.
Company response
Apology — Emami
One of the senior management staff of the Respondent company tendered an apology in the Court by stating that they had inadvertently and unintentionally used the mark GLOW & HANDSOME on some websites.
Source excerpt
The Bombay High Court, through an order dated October 12, 2020, directed Emami Limited to pay a fine of INR 100,000 for a violation of its previous order.
The High Court had temporarily banned the company from using the trademark GLOW & HANDSOME as disputed by the Petitioner, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL).
Emami has also hinted at taking legal action as it has already changed its men's fairness cream's name to 'Emami Glow & Handsome'.
2015
Kodaikanal mercury contamination dispute
Campaigners and former workers accused the company of inadequate remediation and health protections connected with a thermometer factory in Kodaikanal that handled mercury. HUL disputed aspects of the allegations and later reached a settlement with former workers.