The Cuban Revolution of 1959 marked the end of an era for the island country’s cigar business, which was then a largely private, family owned industry. The cigar families suffered major losses when Castro’s newly installed regime confiscated their assets — factories, warehouses, and land — and nationalized their companies. But it wasn’t just physical property that was seized. Valuable intellectual property was claimed as well.

Since then, state monopoly has controlled production and distribution of Cuban cigar and tobacco products, and the now exiled cigar families have sold the rights to their U.S. trademarks to established companies outside of Cuba. Most did so with the hope and expectation that they would be more fully compensated once Cuban versions of their brands could legally be sold in the U.S.

That day could be near, as the Obama Administration signals interest in normalizing trade with Cuba. But before that can happen, U.S. policy must address underlying anti-competitive forces and trade barriers related to the possible end of the embargo, including accessibility to Cuban tobacco leaf by the U.S. But most importantly, legislation must provide for the fair treatment of the exiled tobacco families and equitable compensation due for the value of their Cuban businesses.

About Bobby Thompson

My name is Bobby Thompson and I’m a Sales and Marketing Executive with 18 years of experience in the consumer products industry. I’ve worked with companies big and small, including Fortune 100/500 companies like Kimberly-Clark Corporation, The Kellogg Company and Dannon Waters. In 2001, I joined Catalina Marketing as Director of Business Development and have since overseen the implementation of ongoing marketing campaigns related to Customer Loyalty/VIP Shopper Programs, including the launch of such programs for Ahold and Winn-Dixie. More recently, I was involved in the “green” initiative for Primo-to-Go, the first single-serve water in bottles made from corn.

I received my Bachelors of Business Administration from James Madison University (Virginia) with a concentration in Marketing. Currently in Orlando, Florida, I’m active in the community as a volunteer and supporter of numerous community/golf groups such as Tavistock Cup, Isleworth Collegiate Invitational and CMN.

Recognizing the enormous impact of social networking, I recently started blogging and turned my attention to Social Media Marketing. I recognize this medium as the most cost-effective way to market to a large group of consumers with specific goals and interests. I provide consulting and administrative services for companies wanting to pursue online social media methods as an enhancement to current marketing strategies.