Blumenthal & Markham Announces Court's Ruling in Daniels v. Philip Morris.

Business Editors/Legal Writers

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 16, 2002

Blumenthal & Markham as Class Counsel in Daniels v. Philip Morris, San Diego Superior Court, Case No. 719446 (JCCP No. 4042) (the "Lawsuit") announces that the Court has granted summary judgment and entered Final Judgment in favor of Defendants and against the Plaintiff Class. Plaintiff Class consists of all persons who as California resident minors (under 18 years of age) smoked one or more cigarettes in California between April 2, 1994 and December 31, 1999 and the parents and/or guardians of such persons under the age of 18. The Defendants in the Lawsuit are Philip Morris, Incorporated, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Lorillard Tobacco Company and Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation. In the Lawsuit, Plaintiffs challenged, amongst other things, the marketing and advertising practices of the Defendants. The Plaintiffs, by and through Class Counsel will be appealing this final judgment. This judgment is binding on the members of the Class and if the judgment is affirmed after appeal, it will constitute a final adjudication of their rights and/or claims in the Lawsuit. No further action of the Class Members is required at this time. If you are interested in viewing a copy of the Court's summary judgment rulings, you may do so at www.sandiego.courts.ca.gov/jccp/tobacco. (Other Orders November 22, 2002). For further information, please visit the website of Class Counsel at www.bamlawca.com or email [e-mail]. Please do not contact the Court or the Clerk's Office by Order of the Superior Court of the County of San Diego, State of California.