press releases
O’Melveny Represents Liggett Group in Successful Challenge to FDA Cigarette Labeling Rule
February 29, 2012
Contact:
Sonja Steptoe Julie Fei
O’Melveny & Myers LLP O'Melveny & Myers LLP
+1 213.430.6384 (office) +1 213.430.7792 (office)
+1 323.578.1586 (cell) +1 213.440.7792 (cell)
ssteptoe@omm.com jfei@omm.com
On February 29, 2012, US District Judge Richard Leon ruled that a US Food and Drug Administration regulation requiring tobacco companies to put graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging is an unconstitutional violation of the companies' First Amendment protections against government-compelled speech.
Several tobacco companies, including Liggett Group, filed suit against the FDA last August, challenging the rule. O'Melveny & Myers partner Jonathan Hacker represented Liggett Group in the litigation.
The case is R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 11-cv-01482, U.S. District Court, District of Columbia (Washington). Here is a link to Judge Leon's decision: http://www.scribd.com/doc/83237049/Leon#fullscreen.
If you would like to interview Jon Hacker about this matter, please contact Julie Fei or Sonja Steptoe at the email addresses and phone numbers listed above.
About O’Melveny & Myers LLP
With approximately 800 lawyers in 15 offices worldwide, O’Melveny & Myers LLP helps industry leaders across a broad array of sectors manage the complex challenges of succeeding in the global economy. We are a values-driven law firm, guided by the principles of excellence, leadership, and citizenship. Our commitment to these values is reflected in our dedication to improving access to justice through pro bono work and championing initiatives that increase the diversity of the legal profession. For more information, please visit www.omm.com.