Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2026
BAT files patent-infringement claims over IQOS technology
Lawsuit filed
British American Tobacco filed patent-infringement claims against Philip Morris International and others, alleging that the heating technology used in PMI's IQOS devices infringed BAT patents. BAT sought damages and an injunction on imports. The source does not report a court determination in the matter.
Source excerpt
BAT has also filed a patent infringement claim with the International Trade Commission (ITC) in the US. Besides PMI, the others being sued in the same claim include Altria Group and its US subsidiary Philip Morris USA, as mentioned in the ITC claim.
According to a Reuters article, BAT alleged that the tobacco heating technology used in PMI’s IQOS devices infringed its patents and is seeking remedies for damages caused and an injunction on importing the product.
Cigarette and tobacco manufacturing company British American Tobacco (BAT) has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against long-time rival Philip Morris International (PMI).