The ad agency behind a new campaign for a HIV/AIDs treatment company that was recently banned from using its name has admitted it was using a fake photo to promote the treatment.
The ad agency that made the ads, Tampax International, has agreed to pay $20,000 to a group of people who sued the company over the ads.
The group of individuals includes an HIV/ AIDS patient who was treated at a San Francisco hospital and a family that lost an HIV-positive son.
According to a news release from the group, the settlement includes an agreement that “prevents Tampac to use the name ‘Tampax’ or the words ‘AIDS-Free’ or ‘HIV/AIDS Treatment’ or any other generic name in its future advertising campaigns.”
Tampac did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The settlement also prohibits the company from using Tampachor or any of its other brands or logos without the consent of the people who were the subject of the ad.
The San Francisco-based company said in a statement that the ad was intended to provide an education and awareness to the public about HIV/ Aids treatment.
The ad was not intended to create any commercial advantage for the company or its products, it said.
Tampachors’ ads were shown on the company’s website and in other ads in July and August.
It also posted the ads on its website and on social media.
The ads appeared to promote a treatment called the Naloxone, a drug that can reverse the effects of HIV.
The drug is available in pharmacies and can be bought over the counter at most drug stores.