Dr. Oz show launches copyright infringement campaign

US syndicated daytime series The Dr. Oz Show is launching an aggressive campaign to fight copyright infringement and illegal use of the Dr. Oz name, image and show.

The show alleges that rogue vitamin and supplement company marketing campaigns have been illegally using the Dr. Oz name. More than 11,000 complaints have been logged through the OzWatch portal on www.doctoroz.com, which is devoted to detecting and enforcing infringement.

So, beginning 6 May, host Dr Mehmet Oz will end each show with a disclaimer that reads:

“If you receive an e-mail or any kind of direct marketing claiming to be from me selling a product with my name, my image or the show’s name, you need to know IT’S NOT ME! I consider anyone that uses my name or my picture to try to sell you a product or supplement reckless and dangerous. They are undermining my credibility with you and the trust you place in me. More importantly, it could be dangerous to your health. Please go to doctoroz.com/oz-watch to report if you receive any messages that use me to sell you anything. To see a list of our trusted partners, please go to Dr. Oz.com.”

Over the past several years, banner ads featuring Dr. Oz endorsements have saturated the Internet, embedded in sites like Facebook, Google, Amazon and YouTube, targeting consumers with misleading advertising for products that may have been seen on the show, Oz said, adding that e-mail spamming, targeted ads and robo-calling have all been reported by viewers.

“Today I am taking back my name and protecting my viewers from people I consider dangerous, who try to mislead you into buying products I don’t endorse,”

said Oz. “Anything you see on this show is part of a conversation I am having with you about your health. We are always transparent about our trusted, official partnerships and a full list of these partners is available on our website.”

The Dr. Oz Show has produced close to 700 shows in four seasons that mention various supplements. “The largest organised fraudulent efforts include green coffee bean extract, raspberry ketones and garcinia cambogia,” the show said.