Philip Morris USA filed lawsuits yesterday against eight retailers for selling counterfeit versions of the company's Marlboro brand cigarettes in New York and New Jersey.

The filing is part of the company's efforts to stop the sale of counterfeit cigarettes and the unauthorized use of Philip Morris USA's trademarks. PM USA has filed lawsuits against 35 retailers in New York and New Jersey so far since May 2009 for selling counterfeit Marlboro brand cigarettes.
The new suit will seek for comprehensive solutions to New York's complex counterfeit and contraband cigarette issues, including the enactment of a law to impose tax on cigarettes sold to non-tribal members through Native American reservation outlets. (pi)