P.M. BRIEFING : Remington Shaver Ads Accused

Victor Kiam, owner of Remington Products Inc., has been charged with misleading advertising.

Also charged are Remington Products Canada of Mississauga, Ontario, and Grey Advertising of Toronto.

The charges under Canada’s Competition Act deal with commercials aired in 1987 and 1988 for the Micro Screen Ultimate Electric Shaver.

One charge alleges that the commercials make performance claims without adequate substantiation. The other charge is under a general provision that prohibits misleading advertising.

For Kiam, conviction could mean five years in prison or a fine for which the act sets no maximum.

The commercials in question claim that the Micro Screen Ultimate shaves as close as a blade and closer than any other electric shaver.