According to Boerse Frankfurt on November 21, a court in Bavaria, Germany, rejected Philip Morris International's lawsuit against the ban on its tobacco harm information campaign, ruling that the company's advertising activities were considered illegal.
During this week's trial on Wednesday (20th), the Administrative Court of Munich clearly stated that the law also prohibits indirect tobacco product advertising.
The company stated in its advertisement that cigarette smoke contains over 90 carcinogens and that quitting smoking is the best choice. While the harms of nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes, or heated tobacco products may be smaller, they are not without toxicity and are equally addictive. Bavaria has therefore banned this advertising campaign, deeming it unauthorized tobacco advertisement, and warned the company that it could face hefty fines.
The key issue facing the court is whether the information campaigns by tobacco manufacturers promoting less harmful alternatives are considered wise marketing strategies, which fall under the scope of the tobacco advertising ban. The presiding judge noted during the trial that, according to common legal practice, any form of tobacco advertising, including indirect advertising or image promotion activities, is subject to a comprehensive ban.
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