SEBI is in receipt of certain queries with respect to applicability of provisions of advertisement code on a Research Report issued by an RA. In this regard, it is clarified that Research Report and research recommendations of an RA are not considered advertisement unless anything contained in the research report is in the nature of promotion of products or services offered by an RA. The forms of communications, to which the advertisement code shall be applicable, shall include pamphlets, circulars, brochures, notices or any other literature, document, information or material published, or designed for use in any publication or displays (such as newspaper, magazine, sign boards/hoardings at any location), in any electronic, wired or wireless communication (such as electronic mail, text messaging, messaging platforms, social media platforms, radio, telephone, or in any other form over the internet) or over any other audio-visual form of communication (such as television, tape recording, video tape recordings, motion pictures) or in any other manner whatsoever.
Further, a research report, irrespective of the mode of its dissemination to any investor or prospective investor, shall be construed as an advertisement if anything contained in the said research report is either expressly or impliedly in the nature of promotion of products or services offered by an RA.