The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has imposed a Rs. 5 million penalty on MCI-Bureau of Inspection & Certifications Pakistan for unlawfully using a trade name and logo resembling those of France-based Bureau Veritas, a global testing, inspection, and certification company.
The case was launched after Bureau Veritas complained that MCI-Bureau and its affiliated UK entity had adopted a confusingly similar name and branding, creating the impression that they were linked to the international company.
After examining the evidence, the CCP concluded that MCI-Bureau had copied the key elements of Bureau Veritas’ registered trademark, including the word “Bureau” and other distinctive design features. The regulator ruled that the branding was likely to mislead customers and constituted deceptive marketing under Section 10 of the Competition Act, 2010.
The Commission said the difference in colour schemes did not eliminate the risk of confusion, noting that inspection reports and certification documents are often reproduced in black and white, where consumers are less likely to distinguish between similar logos.
According to the CCP, the respondent was aware of Bureau Veritas’ established reputation. It also noted that the company withdrew its trademark registration application after receiving a show-cause notice, reinforcing the finding that it recognised the similarity between the two brands.
The regulator further found that MCI-Bureau failed to provide evidence that it possessed the technical expertise, accreditation, and competence required to offer specialised inspection and certification services.
It added that the firm’s subsequent business, Inspect Assure, also failed to demonstrate the required accreditation, increasing the risk of misleading customers.
Along with the Rs. 5 million fine, the CCP directed the company to immediately stop using Bureau Veritas’ trademark, adopt a clearly distinguishable brand identity, secure the necessary accreditation before offering certification services, and submit a compliance report within 60 days. Failure to comply could result in additional penalties.
The Commission said the order is intended to protect consumers and legitimate businesses from deceptive practices while maintaining confidence in Pakistan’s testing, inspection, and certification sector.
