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Retailers in New York and New Jersey have been accused of selling counterfeit cigarettes, spurring a lawsuit by Philip Morris USA, the largest tobacco company in the United States. This lawsuit is only the latest in a series of them being filed since May, 2009.

Ten retailers in both states are accused of selling counterfeit versions of the Marlboro brand cigarettes. With New York yielding a market prime for cigarette smugglers due to high taxes, Philip Morris is on the offensive. Not only are they asking that a ban on these counterfeit cigarettes be made but that all profits made from the sale of them be repaid to Philip Morris. In addition, they are asking for payment of attorney’s fees and punitive damages.

Philip Morris has filed lawsuits against 185 retailers in New York and New Jersey since 2002. They are committed to protecting their trademark and stopping contraband cigarette activity.

Felberbaum, M. (2009, November 19). Philip Morris USA sues over counterfeit Marlboros. The Associated Press. Retrieved from http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hy-WvTEUVDCmAD1HRofmcMSAkj6AD9C2MIM81