PMI and BAT Patent Settlement Clears Path for Smokeless Products

Tobacco giants Philip Morris International Inc. and British American Tobacco Plc settled a series of patent suits that clears a path for both firms to bring their cigarette alternative products to US and European markets.

The accord ends legal challenges preventing PMI from bringing its IQOS heated tobacco product to the key US market, and now allows BAT to offer its rival Glo product to some European markets.

The two companies have been battling for years in a series of patent disputes regarding alternative cigarette products that include vapes, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches.

Both PMI and BAT have said ...