VPR Brands Settles E-Cigarette Airflow Patent Lawsuit
Credit: Vitalii Vodolazskyi
VPR Brands has settled a patent lawsuit that applies to technology used by numerous e-cigarette manufacturers. The patent dates to 2009 and includes independent claims covering electronic cigarette products containing an electric airflow sensor, including a sensor comprised of a diaphragm microphone. The sensor turns the battery on and off, and covers most auto-draw, button less e-cigarettes, cigalikes, pod devices and vaporizers using an airflow sensor rather than a button.
The technology is covered under electronic cigarette utility patent US 8205622. The lawsuit, filed on May 3, 2021 in the Florida Southern District Court, VPR Brands, LP v. HQDTech USA LLC and NEPA 2 Wholesale, LLC was settled with both defendants for a total sum greater than $275,000 to be paid to VPR Brands. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the settlement agreement, VPR Brands agreed to license the patent and related patents and applications to NEPA and some of its affiliates.
“I want to thank our legal team at SRIPL Law for their hard work and diligence in settling this matter, they have been preparing to go to court and litigate on our behalf for the better of 2 years now and preparation is key in negotiating and settling any dispute,” stated Kevin Frija, CEO of VPR Brands in a press release. “Ultimately it is a win-win for all parties when a dispute can be settled ahead of trial, but you must be prepared to take it all the way and the litigation team at SRIP Law is ready, willing and able to go the distance if needed and that is what counts when protecting intellectual property.”
Florida-based VPR Brands VPR Brands is a manufacturer of electronic cigarettes and vaporizers for nicotine, cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD). Its assets include issuing U.S. and Chinese patents for atomization-related products including technology for medical marijuana, hemp, and electronic cigarette products and components as well as lighters. The company is also engaged in product development, according to the release.