The Court of Appeal dismissed arguments by cigarette makers that mandating uniform packaging for tobacco products infringes on their intellectual property rights.

Dismissal leaves in place a lower court ruling backing plain packaging in the UK, which was introduced in May. British American Tobacco (BAT), party to the suit along with Philip Morris International and Japan Tobacco International, said the ruling did not “necessarily” mark the end to its challenge.
“We are considering our options carefully,” BAT said. “It’s important to point out that this decision is not a green light for governments to introduce plain packaging, and those considering it must first ensure that the measure complies with the fundamental rights of businesses in their country, as well as with their international law obligations.”