Philip Morris USA Sues Internet Vendors

Source from:  tr.itsmyiq.com Sep 18, 2007 09/19/2007

Philip Morris USA has filed two lawsuits in federal court against Internet site operators selling illegally imported cigarettes bearing the company's trademarks. The lawsuits allege that the Web sites are selling cigarettes that have been imported in violation of the Imported Cigarette Compliance Act of 2000. In some instances, the defendants have also made false statements about the legality of these sales, according to Philip Morris USA. "Philip Morris USA will protect our brands and the law-abiding businesses that sell them from unfair competition," said Charlie Whitaker, vice president of compliance and brand integrity of Philip Morris USA. "We do not want our trademarks misused and we do not want our brands associated with illegal activity." Enditem