Philip Morris International Banned From Advertising New Tobacco Products in Germany
Leave a message
Philip Morris International banned from advertising new tobacco products in Germany
A German state has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Philip Morris International, arguing that its campaign to promote the harms of tobacco is illegal and constitutes indirect tobacco advertising. The court ruled that any form of tobacco advertising, including campaigns that mention less harmful alternatives, is covered by a comprehensive ban.
According to Boerse Frankfurt on November 21, a court in Bavaria, Germany, dismissed a lawsuit filed by Philip Morris International (PMI), which had previously been banned by a local court from promoting information about the harms of tobacco, but later sued the court.
In a court hearing on Wednesday (20th), the Administrative Court of Munich made it clear that the law also prohibits indirect advertising of tobacco products.
Philip Morris International produces cigarettes such as Marlboro, and also produces new tobacco devices such as "IQOS". The company clearly stated in its advertisements that cigarette smoke contains more than 90 known carcinogens and emphasized that quitting smoking is the best choice. At the same time, the company also reminds consumers that although nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products may be relatively less harmful, they are not completely harmless and are also addictive.
Bavaria therefore characterized the campaign as unauthorized tobacco advertising and removed the relevant photos, while warning the company that it could face a heavy fine.
The key question for the court was whether a campaign by a tobacco manufacturer, referring to less harmful alternatives, was a clever marketing ploy and thus fell within the scope of the tobacco advertising ban. The presiding judge cited common precedents during the trial, stating that any form of tobacco advertising, including indirect advertising or image campaigns, falls within the scope of the comprehensive ban. Today's ruling follows this principle.
