Reynolds American Wins Patent Case Against Star Scientific
June 16 2009 - 5:57PM
Dow Jones News
A federal jury ruled Tuesday for a unit of Reynolds American
Inc. (RAI) in a high-stakes dispute with Star Scientific Inc.
(STSI) over Star's patent claim for a new method of curing tobacco
in a way that reduces certain cancer-causing toxins.
Star was seeking several hundred million dollars from RJ
Reynolds Tobacco Co., alleging that the nation's second largest
tobacco company encouraged its farmers to practice Star's invention
without permission.
But after a four week trial, a jury in Baltimore sided with
Reynolds.
A Reynolds spokesman acknowledged the verdict and said the
company would have a statement soon.
A spokeswoman for Star couldn't immediately be reached for
comment.
The jury verdict is an important marker in the case but likely
will not be the last word in the dispute. Star is expected to
appeal the ruling.
-By Brent Kendall, Dow Jones Newswires; 202-862-9222;
brent.kendall@dowjones.com