FED:Tobacco giant to fight plain packaging

AAP General News (Australia)
04-07-2011
FED:Tobacco giant to fight plain packaging

A tobacco giant says the federal government may have to pay billions of dollars in
compensation to cigarette firms if it brings in plain olive green packaging.

Health Minister NICOLA ROXON will unveil draft legislation today requiring tobacco
companies to print their brand name in a specific font.

But British American Tobacco Australia .. whose brands include Winfield .. Dunhill
and Benson & Hedges .. say the government's proposal infringes on international trademark
and intellectual property laws.

BATA argues alcohol and fast food companies wouldn't stand having their branding taken
away from them and say plain packaging will encourage a black market in tobacco.

AAP RTV saj/jcd/nap

KEYWORD: TOBACCO (CANBERRA)

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