( CNN ) Tobacco companies including Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds filed suit this week against the Food and Drug Administration alleging that the FDA is violating the companies ' free speech rights . In March , the FDA issued guidance that if significant changes are made to a product 's label , like color or a logo , the product requires new approval from the administration . This holds true even if the product was previously approved . The suit , filed in U.S. District Court in Washington , argues that those guidelines go too far and are too vague . They violate the First Amendment because they pre-emptively restrict free speech and exceed the scope of the Tobacco Control Act , the companies claim . The FDA 's actions , the suit says , do not advance a substantial government interest . The plaintiffs also include U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. , American Snuff Co. , Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co. and Lorillard Tobacco Co. FDA spokesman Michael Felberbaum said the administration does not comment on litigation . CNN 's Debra Goldschmidt contributed to this report .
Companies including Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds in suit alleging violation of free speech . In March , the FDA issued guidance about changes to tobacco product labels . If significant changes are made to a product 's label , like color or a logo , the product requires new approval .