Author: GTNF Trust Staff

It’s official. The Vapor Technology Association (VTA) will bring manufacturers, wholesalers, small business owners and entrepreneurs in the vapor industry a fresh perspective on the industry and the policies that impact it. The organizationon states its mission is to serve as the advocate for leaders in the vapor community who not only continue to develop new technologies for the benefit of public health, but also promote small businesses and job growth, responsible public policies and regulations, and a high standard of safety within the industry.

According to today’s press announcement, VTA’s board will include Ron Tully of Next Generation Labs, Brittani Cushman of Intrepid Brands, Sanjiv Desai of VMR Products, Patricia Kovacevic of Nicopure Labs, Arnaud Dumas de Rauly of FIVAPE and George Cassels-Smith of Tobacco Technology Inc.

“The growth of the vapor technology industry provides an opportunity for new jobs in communities across the country while promoting a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products,” said Tony Abboud, VTA’s National Legislative Director. “Through our advocacy efforts, VTA and its members will pursue strong industry standards and responsible regulations that protect children and ensure the safety of consumers while aggressively pushing back on any misleading information about our products.”

The VTA release states that its “members have worked diligently with members of Congress on both sides of the aisle in support of safeguards for children, including child-resistant packaging and laws preventing sales to minors. And while the U.S. federal government is falling behind the rest of the world in the development of product standards, VTA and its members are ahead of the curve, promoting responsible regulations and strict safety standards here in the United States and abroad.”

Joshua Kimmel has resigned as an officer and member of Breathe eCig Corp.’s board of directors.

Seth M. Shaw has been appointed to the positions of chairman of the board and interim chief executive officer and chief financial officer effective immediately.

Kimmel will remain as a consultant and will continue to assist the company in several important capacities. In addition, Shaw expects to appoint a minimum of two new board members during January and February.

Fontem Ventures, owner of the Blu e-cigarette brand, and Ballantyne Brands, a U.S.-based distributor and owner of the Mistic and Haus brands of personal vaporizers and e-liquids, today announced they have reached a settlement agreement that resolves ongoing litigation in the U.S.

The settlement ends another of eight patent infringement cases originally brought by Fontem Ventures and Fontem Holdings in March 2014 in the United States District Court for the Central District of California in relation to e-vapor technology.

Under the terms of the settlement, Fontem Ventures has granted Ballantyne Brands a non-exclusive royalty-bearing global license under the patents asserted in the litigation and certain other e-vapor technology related patents.

The remaining settlement terms are confidential.

Japan Tobacco said today that it would launch the next generation of its Ploom ‘tobacco vapor’ device, Ploom TECH, and three types of ‘MEVIUS for Ploom TECH’ tobacco capsules.

All products would be available in Japan from early March through nearly 900 stores in Fukuoka City and nationwide via a dedicated online store operated by the company’s subsidiary, JT Creative Service.

‘In December 2013, JT introduced Japan’s first tobacco vapor product, Ploom,’ JT said in a note posted on its website. ‘Ploom TECH represents the next breakthrough product from the Ploom brand, which now delivers an even smoother tobacco taste and can be used instantly.

‘Ploom TECH is a new way of enjoying tobacco by placing a tailor-made tobacco capsule filled with granulated tobacco leaves into a device, composed of a battery and cartridge. Vapor is generated from the liquid in the cartridge and passes through the tobacco capsule. With this innovative technology, JT has created a clear tobacco taste without ash or smoke.’

For the tobacco capsule, JT has developed MEVIUS for Ploom TECH, which uses the name of Japan’s best-selling cigarette brand. ‘This capsule provides a smooth taste,’ the press note said. ‘To allow the consumers to choose according to their preferences, a line-up of three new products – one regular and two menthol types – has been created.
‘JT has also given thorough consideration to the ease of use of these products. Ploom TECH is activated merely by inhaling, making it possible to enjoy the experience immediately and at any time. Stick-shaped, lightweight and compact, Ploom TECH is also easy to hold and carry.

‘Since there is no combustion, Ploom TECH tobacco vapor does not produce tobacco smoke smell or ash, making it a new way to enjoy tobacco that helps to avoid annoying those nearby. This is JT’s latest offering toward realizing a society where smokers and non-smokers can coexist harmoniously.’

The launch in Japan is said to mark the start of a roll-out of Ploom TECH globally. ‘By offering a wide range of choices to meet changing consumers’ preferences and satisfaction, JT is aiming to be the global leader in the emerging products category,’ the press note said.