A federal jury ruled Tuesday for a unit of Reynolds American Inc. (RAI) in a high-stakes dispute with Star Scientific Inc. (STSI) over Star's patent claim for a new method of curing tobacco in a way that reduces certain cancer-causing toxins.

Star was seeking several hundred million dollars from RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co., alleging that the nation's second largest tobacco company encouraged its farmers to practice Star's invention without permission.

But after a four week trial, a jury in Baltimore sided with Reynolds.

A Reynolds spokesman acknowledged the verdict and said the company would have a statement soon.

A spokeswoman for Star couldn't immediately be reached for comment.

The jury verdict is an important marker in the case but likely will not be the last word in the dispute. Star is expected to appeal the ruling.

-By Brent Kendall, Dow Jones Newswires; 202-862-9222; brent.kendall@dowjones.com