Judge Lifts Some Tobacco Ad Bans

A federal judge on Tuesday threw out a ban that barred tobacco companies from using graphics and colors in their labels and advertising, reports Reuters. It did however, uphold the U.S. government on its ban of brand-name product merchandise and sponsorships. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. and Lorillard were among the companies hoping to nullify parts of a sweeping new law approved by Congress last year. It gave the FDA broad regulatory authority over tobacco products.