Gates blog examines global implications of Australian ruling on cigarette logo ban

"In one of the most significant victories for public health policy, the Australian High Court upheld the Tobacco Plain Packaging Act, which effectively removes the last form of advertising available to the tobacco industry in the country -- logos on cigarette packs," Cynthia Lewis, a senior program officer for the tobacco initiative at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, writes in the foundation's "Impatient Optimists" blog. "After a multi-million dollar legal battle, the Government of Australia effectively defended its right to legislate to protect the health of its citizens," she continues, adding, "While the battle is not yet over -- Australia still faces two additional cases with Philip Morris Asia and the World Trade Organization -- today's victory establishes an important precedent for plain packaging, and encourages those who seek to implement it elsewhere" (8/15).