Altria Takes Legal Action Against US Trade Commission

Tobacco heavyweight Altria has launched a significant legal challenge against the United States International Trade Commission (ITC). In a federal court filing in Virginia on Monday, the company, alongside its electronic cigarette subsidiary NJOY, alleges unconstitutional practices in the appointment of the commission’s administrative judges. This legal maneuver represents a strategic counteroffensive in a high-stakes battle over the future of the lucrative vaping market.

The lawsuit stems from a complaint filed with the ITC in August by rival Juul Labs. Juul alleged that NJOY’s vaporizer products infringe upon its patents, leading the trade commission to initiate a formal investigation in September. A finding against NJOY could deal a severe Read more...