Philip Morris Accuses Retailers of Selling Counterfeit Cigarettes

Philip Morris USA is suing 325 retailers in federal courts in seven states, accusing them of selling counterfeit versions of the company's cigarettes. The company said it filed 15 lawsuits Monday as part of a continuing effort to curb the sales of cigarettes illegally using Philip Morris trademarks, including its iconic Marlboro brand.

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.
The Philip Morris USA division of Altria Group Inc. is suing 325 retailers in seven states, accusing them of selling counterfeit versions of the company’s cigarettes. The company said it filed 15 lawsuits Monday as part of a continuing effort to curb the sales of cigarettes illegally using Philip Morris trademarks, including its iconic Marlboro brand. A company spokeswoman, Jamie Drogin, said the suits were filed against a range of retailers, from small, individually owned outlets to large chains. She would not identify the names of the businesses, but said the suits are targeted against 325 individual retail locations, even though some share ownership. Similar lawsuits in past years have led to consent judgments with 22 retailers, who have agreed to stop selling fake Philip Morris cigarettes and to identify their suppliers. The company said it filed the lawsuits in four federal district courts in California, two district courts in the states of Louisiana, New York and Texas, as well as the courts covering Arizona, the Southern District of Florida and the Western District of Washington. Philip Morris USA is the domestic tobacco division of New York-based Altria, the new name for holding company Philip Morris Cos. Altria shares rose 33 cents to close at $38.98 on the New York Stock Exchange. Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.

Benefits of a Digital Membership:

  • Free access to 3 articles* every 30 days
  • Access to the entire ALM network of websites
  • Unlimited access to the ALM suite of newsletters
  • Build custom alerts on any search topic of your choosing
  • Search by a wide range of topics

*May exclude premium content
Already have an account?

Trending Stories

 

Featured Product

Global Briefing

A weekly, curated selection of our international content from around the globe, across the business of law, in-house, regulatory, technology and more, with expert insights from our senior editors.

Learn More

More from ALM

 

ALM Legal Publication Newsletters

Sign Up Today and Never Miss Another Story.

As part of your digital membership, you can sign up for an unlimited number of a wide range of complimentary newsletters. Visit your My Account page to make your selections. Get the timely legal news and critical analysis you cannot afford to miss. Tailored just for you. In your inbox. Every day.

Privacy Policy

About Us / Contact Us / Site Map / Advertise With Us/ Customer Service / Terms of Service/ FAQ / Privacy Policy

Publications

Law Topics

Rankings

More

Law.com

Copyright © 2020 ALM Media Properties, LLC. All Rights Reserved.