Crippled Cup Ads

The Paracet Painkiller Campaign is Comprised of Comparative Photography

The Paracet Painkiller campaign centers around dual images of two very different scenarios. In one instance, a cup has been crippled in mistreatment while the corresponding image shows the same cup completely unharmed. The only difference is the use of different medication. The first pills clearly don't work, which makes the person take out his or her pain on the poor, unsuspecting cup.

Conceived and executed by Bates United, an ad agency based in Oslo, Norway, the Paracet Painkiller campaign was expertly art directed by Anders Asheim with copy by Petter Andersen. A simple campaign, it relies on comparative photos to tell a simple story. This allows people to choose the better alternative, the Paracet alternative.

Comparative Marketing
The use of comparative photography in advertising can disrupt traditional marketing methods.
Product Efficacy Messaging
Highlighting the inefficacy of competitor products can be a disruptive innovation opportunity for painkiller manufacturers.
Emotional Connection Advertising
Tapping into consumer emotions, such as frustration with pain, can be a disruptive innovation opportunity for advertising.

Who This Affects Most

Pharmaceuticals
The painkiller industry can benefit from advertising that focuses on product efficacy and differentiation.
Advertising
Comparative advertising that highlights product inefficacy can disrupt traditional marketing methods.
Consumer Goods
Emotionally charged advertising that connects with consumers can be a disruptive innovation opportunity for consumer goods manufacturers.
SCORE
2.9 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: Europe
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Millennial (primary audience)
  • Gen X (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 36%
Activity 43%
Freshness 8%

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