Appeals Court Resurrects R.J. Reynolds Camel Cash Lawsuit

SAN FRANCISCO -- The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has revived a possible class action lawsuit against Reynolds American Inc. regarding its "Camel Cash" program.

According to Reuters Reynolds American subsidiary R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. (RJR) encouraged consumers to purchase Camel cigarettes, save Camel Cash certificates included in the packs, enroll in a loyalty program and subsequently redeem the certificates for merchandise featured in RJR catalogs.

RJR halted renewing the certificates in 2006, making unredeemed Camel Cash worthless, the news outlet reported.

Ten individuals who joined the loyalty program sued, but a lower court judge dismissed the case.

However, the U.S. Circuit Court resurrected the lawsuit on Friday, stating RJR must defend against some claims, including breach of contract, according to the news source.

The 9th Circuit Court has sent the case to federal court in Los Angeles for further proceedings.

When contacted by Reuters, an RJR representative could not be reached for comment.