GLENVIEW, ILLINOIS - Top Tobacco, L.P. and Republic Tobacco L.P. filed suit last month in federal court in Chicago against several companies, including gas stations, alleging trademark infringement, unfair competition and trafficking in counterfeit goods.

The lawsuit is part of the tobacco companies?? "vigilant" anti-counterfeiting campaign to protect its "TOP" trademarks.

The lawsuit alleges that the defendants have been knowingly selling in the Chicago area counterfeit TOP-brand cigarette rolling papers that were illegally produced in China with the intent of confusing and deceiving the public.

Top Tobacco and Republic Tobacco are seeking to enjoin the defendants from any further unlawful activity regarding the use of its TOP trademarks and to recover damages, costs and fees.

"TOP Tobacco and its predecessors have been in the cigarette market for more than 100 years and the mark TOP? is well known among merchants and customers," said a company spokesperson. "TOP-brand products are manufactured and sourced exclusively for, and under the direction of, Republic Tobacco, and such products are sold only through Republic Tobacco. Therefore, we maintain a vigilant anti-counterfeiting program to protect against violations of the TOP Marks, and this action is a firm reminder that such unlawful conduct will not be tolerated."