General Cigar Co. Inc., a Richmond-based subsidiary of Swedish Match, has won a favorable court ruling in a trademark infringement case against "COHIBA Caribbean's Finest" cigars and rum.

General Cigar prevailed on its claims which held the defendants liable for trademark infringement, dilution, counterfeiting, unlawful importation, unfair competition and cybersquatting. As a result, the court awarded General Cigar a permanent injunction, plus compensatory and treble damages.

Stated Gerry Roerty, general counsel of General Cigar, in a prepared statement: "As the only legitimate owner of the COHIBA mark in the U.S., we were confident that we would prevail in this case. We believe that the District Court of Nevada's ruling sends a strong message to those who continue to make false representations to consumers regarding the COHIBA brand."

COHIBA premium cigars are handcrafted in the Dominican Republic. Retaining a team of attorneys and private investigators from across the United States, General Cigar has aggressively pursuing counterfeit versions of its products in the marketplace.