Statement by Cannes Lions policy on International Ad festival entries

Following detailed consultation and discussion with industry leaders, the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival wishes to make clear its policy on entries into its Festivals, which breach the rules.

It said ina statement: "There are many definitions of ''scam'', and the issue is rarely black and white. As such, we want to develop a policy that is not only workable but also enforceable.

"The role of Cannes Lions and its associated Festivals (Eurobest, Dubai Lynx and Spikes Asia) is to set the benchmark for creativity in communications, to celebrate creativity and to reward the industry for outstanding creative work.

"Our role is not to come between the client and the agency; it is not to have a negative material effect on agency business; and it is not to penalise individuals from an agency who have not had any association with the work in question.

"Our key rules in this regard are simple: ''Entries cannot be made without the prior permission of the advertiser / owner of the rights of the advertisement. All entries must have been made within the context of a normal paying contract with a client. That client must have paid for all, or the majority of, the media costs.''

"It is our policy that when a piece of work comes into question, we request clarification or further information according to the complaint raised. If it is not forthcoming or not adequate, we withdraw the award.