JUUL Labs has filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission against 18 manufacturers of pod vapes JUUL says have violated patents and copied the design of the JUUL device.
As indicated in the complaint, Juul Labs implements strict manufacturing and quality controls and applies strict age-gating when selling its products through its website. Many of the accused copy cats are less than forthcoming about their products, and also offer flavors, seemingly directed to attract underage users – flavors like “Bubble Bubble,” “Apple Juice” and “Sour Gummy.”
“The rapid proliferation of products infringing on our intellectual property continues to increase as our market share grows,” said Kevin Burns, Chief Executive Officer of Juul Labs. “Protecting consumers and preventing underage use are critical priorities, and we will take decisive action where available to restrict illegal copy-cat products that undermine our efforts.”