The suits, filed in New York and California federal courts by the company’s domestic unit, allege that the web sites have violated trade mark and competition laws by misusing Philip Morris trademarks “in an effort to attract internet users”.
Philip Morris also claims that its trade marks were wrongfully used in “company names and promotional materials”. In addition, the lawsuits allege that the internet-based vendors sell cigarettes without complying with tax legislation while making false statements that their products are tax-exempt.
The web sites named in the lawsuits include Europecigarettes.com, Cheapmarlboro.com and Discount-marlboro-cigarettes.com. Philip Morris said in a statement that it plans to file additional lawsuits in the coming weeks.