E-cigarettes and unfair competition: A recent ruling in France

摘要

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are becoming more popular. In December 2013, judges in the commercial court in Toulouse, France, issued the first ruling regarding a trade challenge between tobacconists and e-cigarette store owners. A tobacconist in a rural area sued an e-cigarette vendor, arguing that by promoting e-cigarettes (ECs) on a commercial internet website and selling them near his tobacconist shop, the vendor was in breach of the law regarding tobacco products in what can be seen as unfair commercial competition. The vendor was ordered to stop his activity. The defence counsel contests the court's ruling and has lodged an appeal.