Clause 7 Use of Quotations

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Clause 7
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7.1

Quotations from medical and scientific literature or from personal communications must be faithfully reproduced, accurately reflect the meaning and current views of the author and otherwise comply with the Code. The precise source of the quotation must be identified.

  • Clause 7.1 Quotations

    Any quotation chosen by a company for use in material must comply with the requirements of the Code itself. For example, to quote from a paper which stated that a certain medicine was ‘safe and effective’ would not be acceptable even if it was an accurate reflection of the meaning of the author of the paper, as it is prohibited under Clause 6.4 to state without qualification that a medicine is safe. Care should be taken in quoting from any study or the like to ensure that it does not mislead as to its overall significance.

    Quotations can only be adapted or modified in order to comply with the Code. In such circumstances, it must be clearly stated that the quotation has been amended.

    If there is any doubt as to the current view of an author, companies should check with the author prior to its use.

7.2

Quotations relating to medicines taken from public broadcasts, for example, on radio and television, and from private occasions, such as medical conferences or symposia, must not be used without the formal permission of the speaker.