Jump to full article: Winston-Salem (NC) Journal, 2009-11-05
Author: Richard Craver * Journal Reporter
Intro: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.'s bid to carve out a "free speech" marketing niche for innovative products was dealt a blow today.
A U.S. District Court judge in Richmond denied a motion for a preliminary injunction sought by Reynolds and other tobacco manufacturers regarding The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.
A lawsuit was filed Aug. 31 against the federal government and the Food and Drug Administration by Reynolds, Conwood Co. LLC, a sister company with Reynolds American Inc., Lorillard Inc. and Commonwealth Brands Inc.
The companies had sought a preliminary injunction against The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. They said they are trying to "protect their First Amendment right to communicate with adult tobacco consumers about their products."
But Judge Joseph McKinley ruled that the "plaintiffs have little likelihood of success" in their challenge to the modified risk tobacco products provision in the law.
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