Court rejects case against Australian cigarette logos ban

SYDNEY — Tobacco giant Philip Morris has suffered another setback in its efforts to challenge an Australian law that bans tobacco companies from placing logos on their cigarette packs and forces them instead to feature graphic health warnings. Philip Morris said it would review the court’s decision, which brings to an end the tobacco giant’s latest challenge to Australia’s tough packaging restrictions. “There is nothing in today’s outcome that addresses, let alone validates, plain packaging in Australia or anywhere else,” Marc Firestone, Philip Morris International Senior Vice President and General Counsel, said in a statement. “It is regrettable that the outcome hinged entirely on a procedural issue that Australia chose to advocate instead of confronting head on the merits of whether plain packaging is legal or even works.” The Australian minister responsible for tobacco policy said plain packaging meets all of the country’s international legal obligations. The tobacco companies are desperate to prevent plain packaging here and internationally because they know it works.” The World Trade Organization is considering challenges to Australia’s law by several member states who argue the rules restrict trade and violate trademark rights.