Marlboro maker sues China-based websites, alleging counterfeit cigarettes
Editors Note: The court should be advised of the negative impact counterfeit cigarettes are having on the health of US consumers relative to legal tobacco products.
By Michael Felberbaum (CP) – 1 day ago
RICHMOND, Va. — Marlboro maker Altria Group is suing seven Chinese online retailers, alleging they sold counterfeit versions of its top-selling cigarette brands to customers in the U.S.
The owner of the largest U.S. tobacco company, Philip Morris USA, said Wednesday this is the first time an American company has sued China-based websites for selling counterfeit cigarettes to American consumers.
Richmond, Virginia-based Altria Group filed the suit in U.S. District Court in California on Monday.
The company says the websites are violating federal law by shipping cigarettes through the mail and infringing on its trademarks. It is asking the court to ban the online retailers from selling the product and turn over profits from the cigarettes, along with punitive damages.
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