Philip Mmorris sues Fruitland Store over alleged counterfeit cigarettes
BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- Cigarette maker Philip Morris U-S-A has sued a Fruitland store owner for allegedly selling counterfeit cigarettes. Philip Morris filed suit in U-S District Court on Friday. The suit says The Orchard Store has been selling fake Marlboro and Marlboro Lights cigarettes, infringing on the company's trademark.
The owner of The Orchard Store, Alberto Gonzalez, says he doesn't even sell whole packs of cigarettes -- he just sells individual cigarettes.
Gonzalez says he's never carried Marlboro cigarettes. He hasn't seen the lawsuit.
Philip Morris is asking a judge to stop the store from selling any phony Marlboros. They also want the store to turn over all its profits from the fakes, and to pay other damages and attorney's fees.
