STAMFORD, CT -- Philip Morris International Inc (PMI) (NYSE: PM) is pleased to announce that it has reached a global settlement with British American Tobacco p.l.c. (BAT) that resolves all ongoing patent infringement litigation between the parties related to our heated tobacco and vapor products.

Patent protection is a critical component of the innovation driving PMI’s strategies and the company welcomes this settlement as the best path forward for its business plans.

The settlement includes non-monetary provisions between PMI and BAT that resolve all ongoing global patent infringement litigation, encompassing all related injunctions and exclusion orders, and prevents future claims against current heated tobacco and vapor products. The settlement also allows each party to innovate and introduce product iterations. PMI is committed to continued innovation in reduced-risk products to further advance Tobacco Harm Reduction.

“We are pleased that this matter has been resolved to the mutual satisfaction of both parties,” said Jacek Olczak, Chief Executive Officer. “There is a clear and growing global desire from adults who smoke to choose from a range of smoke-free products, and we believe continued reduced-risk category innovation can accelerate declines in the harms associated with smoking to the benefit of consumers and public health at large - as we continue PMI’s journey to end the sale of cigarettes.”