Will Philip Morris Snus get Banned?

[snusjus]

I'm surprised Philip Morris snus is still legal to ship to the USA. RJ Reynolds banned the sales of Lucky Strike and Camel from Sweden. Do you think Philip Morris USA will take similar actions against the importation of the Swedish Philip Morris snus, since it infringes on Altria's trademarked name?

This wouldn't have been an issue a year ago, since Philip Morris USA and International operated as a single entity; they are now completely separate from each other since Altria spun-off PM International.

[lxskllr]

I used to be able to get imported Philip Morris cigarettes from the tobacco shop, and that was when they were still a brand in the USA. I don't think Philip Morris operates as a brand anymore(in USA), so I don't see that there's any legal impediment.

[sagedil]

Um...Philip Morris actually makes the snus, or made under their license. Not the same issues as the others, different US and International naming rights

[lofat]

The only Americans I want involved with my snus are my friends and UPS.

[aj01]

PMI snus wordwide

In the case of Camel Snus, two separate companies are licensed brandowners of the product, and they divide the world between them. Where Camel is owned by RJR, JTI is not allowed to sell any Camel-branded tobacco products, and vice-versa.

In the case of Lucky Strike, the non-North American company is BAT, and RJR holds the rights to this brand name in the USA. Interestingly enough, BAT is a shareholder in RJR.

In the case of Philip Morris, I am sure all trademarks are protected worldwide, and regardless of the fact that PMUSA and PMI are separately traded companies, they are still part of Altria. Also, as '1847' is such a strictly regional niche brand in Sweden, it hardly threatens any attempted launches in the US.

I know for a fact that LD is protected in the US, and, as JTI operates in the US, they might actually encourage cross-border trade as a harbinger of what could happen if they take the brand local. It's doubtful that JTI Sweden would know anything about it, but it's interesting to consider nonetheless.