Ferrari’s title sponsor denies its Mission Winnow brand is being used for tobacco promotion despite its trademark containing multiple references to tobacco products.

Mission Winnow was launched last year by Ferrari’s sponsor Philip Morris International, which produces the Marlboro brand. The Mission Winnow logos appeared on the team’s cars at the last five rounds of 2018.

Tobacco advertising is banned in many countries. The Australian Communications and Media Authority began an investigation after the Mission Winnow logos first appeared on the Ferraris at last year’s Japanese Grand Prix, which was broadcast in Australia by Network Ten and Foxtel.

Australia’s Department of Health and the Department of Health and Human Services in Victoria, where next month’s Australian Grand Prix will be held, have also begun their own investigations into where the PMI brand is being used to promote a tobacco product.

Mission Winnow’s European Union trademark for goods and services contains 19 references to tobacco including “tobacco, raw or manufactured; tobacco products, including cigars, cigarettes, cigarillos, tobacco for roll your own cigarettes” and more.

However when approached for comment by RaceFans, Philip Morris International’s director of global communications Tommaso Di Giovanni said “the registration you refer to was made for defensive purposes – something that is common practice in the field.

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“If we are to protect the integrity of Mission Winnow we must be able to prevent unscrupulous third parties from abusing the mission by applying the words or similar words to tobacco or other nicotine containing products.”

Di Giovanni insisted the Mission Winnow brand “does not advertise or promote any PMI-branded products.”

“Instead, it highlights our and our partners’ commitment to strive for better in everything we do and to leverage science, technology and innovation to spark positive change.

“We are aware that there are ongoing discussions related to Mission Winnow in Australia and we are currently working with the Australian Grand Prix organizers to understand and respond to any concerns the authorities may have.

“Our Mission Winnow initiative, including the signage used on the Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow livery and our Mission Winnow website, complies with the relevant laws that apply to our activities in Australia and the state of Victoria.”

Ferrari, which is officially entered for the 2019 F1 season as Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow, will reveal its new car on Friday next week.

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2019 F1 season