United States Supreme Court Rules That Tobacco Fraud Suit Filed by Mantese and Rossman, P.C. in Maine May Go Forward

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Supreme Court ruled this morning that claims against Philip Morris for its deceptive marketing of "Lights" and "lowered tar and nicotine" cigarettes are not preempted. Justice Stevens, writing for the majority, held that claims filed in Maine seeking redress for the deceptive marketing of cigarettes bearing these labels were not preempted by federal statute or the actions of the Federal Trade Commission. The suit, filed on behalf of all Maine consumers by the law firm of Mantese and Rossman, P.C., of Troy, Michigan, will now proceed in the Maine District Court.

Gerard Mantese, counsel for the plaintiffs in the suit, stated, "We are pleased that the United States Supreme Court agreed that the tobacco companies are not immune from suit and can be held accountable, like everyone else, for consumer fraud."