Avoid intervening matter that de-emphasizes or obscures the established name

Where this comes from

Section II.A · page 6. The highlighted words are quoted exactly; a script confirms they appear in the source before the rule can be published.

… Contains Nonbinding Recommendations proprietary name or designation and the established name shall be made clear by use of a phrase such as "brand of" preceding the established name, by brackets surrounding the established name, or by other suitable means. (Emphasis added) FDA recommends that the established name be placed either directly to the right of or directly below the proprietary name. FDA also recommends that the proprietary name and the established name not be separated by placement of intervening matter that would in any way detract from, obfuscate, or de-emphasize the established name of the product or obscure the relationship between the proprietary name and the established name. For example, FDA recommends that the proprietary and established names not be separated by intervening matter, such as a logo, tagline, or other graphics. Note: FDA does not consider trademark symbols associated with proprietary names (e.g., registered trademark symbols (®) or unregistered trademark symbols (™)) or controlled substance symbols (e.g., CII) to be intervening matter. Examples of appropriate juxtapo…

Document

FDA guidance: Product Name Placement, Size, and Prominence in Advertising and Promotional Labeling (final)

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as retrieved — the publisher does not version this document; the fingerprint below identifies the exact file

Retrieved

2026-09-21 from www.fda.gov

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FDA guidance describes the agency's current thinking. It is not binding law, and this rule is a recommendation, not an obligation.