British American Tobacco’s response to the judgment in the UK plain packaging legal challenge

A British American Tobacco spokesperson said:

“This decision by the English High Court is by no means the final word on the lawfulness of plain packaging.

“We believe that the judgment contains a number of fundamental errors of law and we are applying for leave to appeal the decision.

“The judgment, if left to stand, should also raise real concerns for many other legitimate businesses as it creates a worrying precedent whereby public policy concerns can ride roughshod over long established fundamental commercial rights.

“It’s important to appreciate that a UK decision is not a precedent for other governments to introduce plain packaging.

“No two jurisdictions are the same and any government considering plain packaging will need to ensure that it complies with the fundamental rights of businesses relevant to that country, and be mindful of the World Trade Organization dispute on plain packaging, which is still ongoing.”