What remedies is DOJ seeking?
DOJ’s court filings indicate that the government may request many different equitable remedies to help correct the effect of the Defendants’ conspiracy. DOJ is requesting the court require the Defendants to give up their ill-gotten profits, which are currently estimated to be $280 billion (disgorgement). DOJ has also outlined possible remedies that include significant changes in the manufacturing, marketing, labeling and sale of tobacco products. The judge has wide latitude to fashion a judgment that fits the Defendants’ violations of the law. Other possible options include requiring the Defendants to share their research over the years with the public; requiring Defendants to fund independent public service messages to undo public perceptions regarding cigarettes based on the Defendants’ past fraudulent statements; and requiring Defendants to fund an independent program to assist smokers with smoking cessation (such as nicotine patches, gum, etc).
