R.J. Reynolds successfully challenges tobacco advertising ban on First Amendment grounds

Client(s) Reynolds American Inc.

On March 31, 2012, the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts granted summary judgment to Jones Day client R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and other plaintiffs, striking down as unconstitutional an ordinance of Worcester, Massachusetts that prohibited outdoor advertising of tobacco products. The court agreed with Jones Day's argument that the ordinance restricted commercial speech in violation of the companies' First Amendment rights.

National Association of Tobacco Outlets, Inc., et al. v. City of Worcester, et al., No. 11-40110 (D. Mass., Mar. 31, 2012)