Philip Morris Loses Ruling in Minnesota

A Minnesota judge will permit smokers in that state to collectively sue Altria Group Inc.’s Philip Morris USA over claims involving the company’s light cigarettes.

Minnesota District Judge Allen Oleisky said the claims, based on Minnesota consumer protection laws, may be tried together. Philip Morris, the biggest U.S. cigarette maker, will appeal the decision, a spokesman said.

The smokers claim that New York-based Philip Morris misled them about the health risks of Marlboro Lights.

The Illinois Supreme Court is reviewing the appeal of a $10.1-billion verdict against Philip Morris in a similar light-cigarette case based on that state’s consumer protection law.