Smokers Win Case Against Altria, Will Sue For Deceptive Marketing Of Light Cigarettes

December 16, 2008 10:13 p.m. EST

Washington, DC (AHN) - The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that smokers can sue a cigarette manufacturer for deceptive advertising under state laws.

The court's justices voted 5-4 on Monday to allow Maine smokers to proceed with their case against Altria Group Inc., owner of Philip Morris USA, on grounds that federal law does not supersede state laws on labeling and advertising.

In the case Altria Group Inc v. Good, 07-562, the complainants alleged that Altria falsely advertised its cigarette products as "light" or have lower nicotine and tar content than the regular brands.

Altria had tried to block the suit by arguing that the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act preempts state laws and gives it immunity from state lawsuits.

The Supreme Court decision gives the go-ahead to some 40 pending suits nationwide that seek billions of dollars in damages from cigarette manufacturers for falsely advertising cigarettes as "light."