Sayenko Kharenko’s intellectual property attorneys have successfully defended the rights and interests of Philip Morris Brands Sarl in a high-stakes criminal case regarding the illegal trafficking of cigarettes. Through a strategically coordinated effort, the attorneys helped bring to justice members of an organised criminal group responsible for the systematic export of counterfeit cigarettes abroad. The case involved over 800,000 cigarettes, including those bearing the Marlboro trademark, owned by Philip Morris Brands Sarl.
As part of this case, Sayenko Kharenko’s attorneys actively participated in protecting the Client’s rights and interests, which helped to identify and bring to liability not only the perpetrators but also the masterminds behind the crimes.
Following the proceedings, three members of the organised criminal group were found guilty and sentenced to significant penalties. The sentence included a cumulative fine of approximately UAH 4.5 million, confiscation of property, a prohibition on transporting excisable goods, the destruction of all counterfeit cigarettes (over 800,000 cigarettes), and associated printing equipment and packaging materials. Furthermore, the semi-trailers used in the illegal operations were confiscated for the state’s benefit.
This case is a part of Sayenko Kharenko’s ongoing commitment to combating intellectual property infringements and safeguarding legitimate businesses that contribute to the national economy, which is crucial, especially in martial law.
“Philip Morris consistently advocates for combating the illegal trade of cigarettes. To this end, we actively cooperate with government agencies and international partners. In particular, the IMF, the EU, and the embassies of the G7 countries. Cases involving counterfeiting of our brands are of fundamental importance to us. Therefore, our main efforts are aimed at facilitating the solution of such offences, bringing the guilty parties to liability, and compensating the company for the losses incurred,” commented Mykhailo Poliakov, Deputy General Director of Philip Morris Ukraine.
Sayenko Kharenko’s team led the case, including counsel Volodymyr Hrunskyi, and junior associates Ihor Korohod and Anastasiia Havryliuk.
