Tobacco Giants' Patent Settlement Clears Path for Smokeless Products.

Tobacco giants Philip Morris International Inc. and British American Tobacco Plc have settled a series of patent suits, allowing them to bring their cigarette alternative products to the US and European markets. The settlement ends legal challenges that were preventing Philip Morris from introducing its IQOS heated tobacco product in the US, and now permits British American Tobacco to offer its rival Glo product in some European markets. Both companies claim to have spent millions on research and development of safer nicotine products. The settlement also includes provisions that resolve all ongoing global patent infringement litigation and prevent future claims against current heated tobacco and vapor products. [Extracted from the article]