Oil Ads Assailed

HOUSTON--A federal judge says Pennzoil Quaker State Co. has to pull its advertisements featuring Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre. U.S. District Court Judge Alfred M. Wolin said the ads are “false and misleading,” calling the national ad campaign “repugnant” and a violation of federal advertising laws.

The judge is to decide later whether the company has to pay damages--including a punitive award. It’s possible that Pennzoil can be held in contempt of court over past rulings made by Wolin against the company’s ads.

The lawsuit had been filed by Castrol North America. “Castrol is gratified that the court has acted to halt Pennzoil’s false advertising campaign.” said Paul Waterman, Castrol’s retail general manager. “Castrol remains committed to offering the highest quality products to motorists, and we will continue to take effective action against consumer deception.”

Pennzoil plans to appeal the ruling.

In the ad campaign, Pennzoil claims that its product is superior to other oils, including Castrol. Favre is seen rubbing rubs Castrol oil under his eyes, implying that the product is good only for use as the black greasepaint used to reduce glare during football games.

Castrol and Pennzoil have long battled in the courts. In 1992, Wolin ordered Pennzoil to pull five television ads featuring “sweeping and untrue” testimonials from racing drivers.

Among other things, the latest injunction issued by Wolin enjoins Pennzoil from “making any claim that its oil is in any way superior to Castrol or any other leadingmotor oil, and that its oil provides better protection against engine wear or engine failure than Castrol or any other leading motor oil. The injunction is effective immediately and applies to all forms of advertising, including television, cable television, print, the Internet and the World Wide Web.”