Australia may face a complaint at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over its decision to ban trademarks and logos on tobacco products, according to Bloomberg, citing two unnamed sources.

The complaint says Australia's decision to ban trademarks and logos on tobacco products is a violation of global intellectual property rules, the report quoted the sources as saying.
The complaint, which will involve at least three governments including Ukraine, is expected to be filed this month.
At a WTO meeting on the matter on 28 February, Ukraine said the law would violate “several provisions” of agreements protecting intellectual-property rights.
Also, countries including Chile, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, Indonesia, Jordan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Turkey, Zambia and Zimbabwe say the Australian ban breaks trade rules. They have challenged Australia’s scientific evidence and said the law will unnecessarily restrict commerce because the country’s public-health goal can be met by other means.
Australia is the first country to require identical cigarette packaging. As of 1 December 2012, cigarettes there will have to be sold in dark brown packets, with no company logos or images and the same font for all brands. (pi)