Jump to full article: Reuters, 2001-07-26
Intro: An Arizona state court judge rejected an effort to certify a consumer fraud class action lawsuit on behalf of smokers who purchased ``light'' cigarettes made by Philip Morris U.S.A., the company said on Thursday.
Plaintiffs in the so-called ``Cocca Case'' wanted the court to order refunds of the money smokers spent to buy their cigarettes, Philip Morris U.S.A., the domestic cigarette unit of Philip Morris Cos. Inc. (NYSE:MO).
The plaintiffs alleged that Philip Morris U.S.A. fraudulently marketed light and ultra-light cigarettes by implying that they are healthier than regular cigarettes, the company said. . .
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Roger Kaufman cited four reasons why the Cocca case failed to meet legal requirements for a class action and said any of the four was sufficient enough to justify the denial, according to Philip Morris, whose brands include Marlboro and Virginia Slims.
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