The US Supreme Court yesterday declined the plaintiffs’ petition for review in the Price case, bringing to a close this long-running case – the ‘Lights’ case – against PM USA.
In 2015, plaintiffs in the Price case had failed to persuade the Illinois Supreme Court to reinstate a multi-billion-dollar judgment against PM USA, the company said in a note posted on the Altria website. Thereafter, the plaintiffs had petitioned the US Supreme Court, asking that court to order the recusal of one of the Illinois Supreme Court justices.
“Today’s action by the US Supreme Court effectively ends this case once and for all,” said Murray Garnick, Altria Client Services senior vice president and associate general counsel, speaking on behalf of PM USA.
“Almost 10 years ago this case was dismissed against Philip Morris USA, and, after countless hearings, motions and legal maneuvers by the plaintiffs to reinstate judgment, the outcome remains the same.”
The Price case began in 2000 and alleged that PM USA deceived Illinois smokers who purchased Marlboro Lights and Cambridge Lights cigarettes. The plaintiffs sought a refund of a portion of the purchase price.
After a three-month trial in 2003, a Madison County Circuit Court judge imposed a $10.1 billion judgment against PM USA. Plaintiffs since then have pursued multiple legal strategies in support of the judgment.
The Illinois Supreme Court, however, overturned that judgment in 2005 and reaffirmed its decision in 2015.
The case is Price v. Philip Morris Incorporated, case number 15-947.