Brands: Philip Morris does NOT want its brands in movies

An interesting news item in Advertising Age (Nov. 20, 2006). Philip Morris is doing a print ad campaign to urge the entertainment industry NOT (!!) to use PM brands and imagery in their works. Philip Morris argues it does not want to influence childrens' decision to smoke.

Critics however say that the effort lacks muscle since the company didn't threaten to take any action against filmmakers who use its brands. They find the timing of the campaign a little curious because Philip Morris policy already denies all requests for permission to use its brands in movies and tv shows since 1990.