` ` It 's extraordinarily encouraging , '' says public health advocate of ruling . The high court upheld its decision , but not the opinion , which will be given at later date . In February , a federal judge sided with the companies , and the Obama administration 's appeal is pending . Tobacco firms say it will only ban illicit trade while focusing on intellectual property . Tobacco kills nearly 6 million people a year , World Health Organization says .
` ` It 's extraordinarily encouraging , '' says public health advocate of ruling . The high court upheld its decision , but not the opinion , which will be given at later date . Tobacco firms say it will only ban illicit trade while focusing on intellectual property . Tobacco kills nearly 6 million people a year , World Health Organization says .