The marketing and advertising for Big Tobacco will be forever changed. A federal court judge today issued the most punishing ruling against the Tobacco Industry which will have significant effect on advertising on the Food, Alcohol, and Tobacco industries. The sale of “light” and “ultralight” cigarettes will be banned and use of corrective advertising of the products will be required.

The 1,742 page ruling including limits on tobacco makers such as:

- The use of the terms “low tar,” “light,” “ultra light,” “mild” and “natural” are banned;
- Each big tobacco company is required to buy one full-page corrective ad in the Sunday editions of more than two dozen major newspapers, with the schedule alternated monthly among the companies;
- Major tobacco makers are ordered to run 15-second corrective TV spots once a week during prime time for a year;
- Packaging and in-store signs must carry new corrective advertising.ÂÂ

It’s about time something happened to the tobacco industry. Sadly, I smoke Marlboro Menthol Lights. The only thing that I’ve noticed between the Lights and the Regulars is that the Lights are much less harsh on my lungs and teeth. Fortunately for myself, I never plan on marketing for Tobacco companies so to all those who do, don’t you understand Tobacco companies do not need advertising besides brand name recognition? (AdAge)