Plain cigarette packs will be introduced in Australia by the beginning of December. That will mean no logos or brands, just drab colors with large health warnings and the brand name in plain small print.

Attorney-General Nicola Roxon said today was a proud moment.

"I am proud of our Government, that we have said we won't be threatened in this way," she said. We can stand up to these tactics."

Outside court, Ms Roxon said that tobacco companies now have to pay the Commonwealth's legal bills.

"For the first time, it's big tobacco's turn to cough up. It won't be taxpayers who are footing the bill for this, it will quite rightly be big tobacco," she said.

Health Minister Tanya Plibersek says the ruling is a win for anyone who has lost a family member to smoking.

"Today's victory in the High Court will save countless Australian lives," she said.

"It'll mean that big tobacco will not be able any longer to use tobacco packages as mobile billboards for their product."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-15/tobacco-companies-vow-to-fight-high-court-verdict/4201004