Altria Sues Juul , Over Patent Infringement.
Altria Group, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes, said that its subsidiary, NJOY, filed a lawsuit with the U.S. International Trade Commission against Juul Labs on Aug. 22.
Altria Group, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes, said that its subsidiary, NJOY, filed a lawsuit with the U.S. International Trade Commission against Juul Labs on Aug. 22.
The complaint alleges that Juul infringed
upon e-vapor patents owned by NJOY.
Altria is seeking a ban on
Juul imports and sales.
Protecting our intellectual property
is critical to achieving our vision, Murray Garnick, Altria General Counsel, via news release.
JUUL has infringed upon our patents through the sale of its imported products, and we ask the ITC to impose appropriate remedies in response to these trade violations, Murray Garnick, Altria General Counsel, via news release.
Altria acquired NJOY and its e-vapor products in June for $2.75 billion, CNBC reports.
One of the included products was NJOY ACE, which is the only pod-based e-vapor product that the FDA has given market authorizations. .
We stand behind our intellectual property and will continue to pursue
our infringement claims, Juul spokesperson, via statement.
Altria has also filed a lawsuit "against Juul
in the U.S. District Court for the District
of Delaware," CNBC reports. .
Before acquiring NJOY, Altria heavily
invested in Juul, but Altria's stake lost significant value following Juul's legal issues.
To date, Juul has settled multiple cases alleging that its marketing practices were deceptive and targeted youth.