E-cigarette firm Max Technology faces bankruptcy amid legal disputes

Nov.04.2024
E-cigarette firm Max Technology faces bankruptcy amid legal disputes
Max (Shenzhen) Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. recently filed for bankruptcy liquidation in court. The company, which specializes in e-cigarette products and holds several well-known trademarks, is facing a total of 15 legal cases, including disputes over sales contracts and trademark issues.

Max (Shenzhen) Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Max") has recently filed for bankruptcy with the Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court, according to an e-cigarette industry insider's tip-off received on November 4 by 2Firsts.

 

E-cigarette firm Max Technology faces bankruptcy amid legal disputes
Bankruptcy Application | Source: National Enterprise Bankruptcy Reorganization Case Information Website

 

2Firsts has learned that Max primarily engages in the research, development, and sales of e-cigarette-related products. According to Tianyancha, the company owns several trademarks, including "YUEKE," "PQZU," "MKPRO," "MAXECIG," "MCKESSE," and "BADKITTY."

 

E-cigarette firm Max Technology faces bankruptcy amid legal disputes
Trademark application | Image source: Tianyancha

 

After searching the national database for information on corporate bankruptcy reorganization cases, 2Firsts conducted an analysis of the issue of "filing for bankruptcy.

 

On September 13, 2024, SHENZHEN BAOAN DISTRICT PEOPLE COURT accepted the bankruptcy liquidation application filed by 34 employees, including a representative, Huang Moufeng, on behalf of Max. According to the court notice, the applicants requested bankruptcy liquidation on the grounds that Max's assets were clearly insufficient to cover all debts.

 

On October 18, 2024, SHENZHEN BAOAN DISTRICT PEOPLE COURT decided to transfer Max's case to bankruptcy liquidation.

 

On October 23, 2024, the employee representative group voluntarily applied to withdraw the bankruptcy liquidation request, and the court ruled to allow the withdrawal.

 

On October 30, 2024, according to an official document (2024) Yue 03 Breakthrough 1102 from the SHENZHEN INTERMEDIATE PEOPLE'S COURT, Max (Shenzhen) Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. filed for bankruptcy with the Shenzhen Intermediate People's Court.

 

Additionally, according to Tianyancha, Max is involved in multiple legal disputes, including sales contract issues, unauthorized use of another company’s name, and disputes over personal names. The company is involved in 15 judicial cases and is listed as a defendant in enforcement proceedings. 

 

It has 46 risk information entries, 3 lawsuits, 3 records of dishonest enforcement, and 4 high-consumption restriction orders, with a total amount involved in enforcement reaching 7.96 million yuan.

 

E-cigarette firm Max Technology faces bankruptcy amid legal disputes
Basic information | Image source: Tianyancha

 

 It is worth noting that, according to Tianyancha, 13.3% of Max's cases are related to Shenzhen RLX Technology Inc.

 

E-cigarette firm Max Technology faces bankruptcy amid legal disputes
Dispute classification | Image source: Tianyancha

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

EU Trade Department Faces Scrutiny Over Contacts With Tobacco Industry
EU Trade Department Faces Scrutiny Over Contacts With Tobacco Industry
European Ombudswoman Teresa Anjinho has opened an inquiry into how the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade handles interactions with the tobacco industry. The case follows a complaint from a civil society organisation that alleges regular, unnecessary and non-transparent contacts between DG TRADE and tobacco industry representatives, raising questions over compliance with the EU’s obligations under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The inquiry remains ongoing, and the Ombudswoman has not reached any finding of maladministration.
Aug.24
UK Vape Tax Countdown: Retailer Vape HQ Estimates 100ml E-liquid Prices Could Rise From £12.99 to £39.39, While Pod Kits Increase Less Than 10%
UK Vape Tax Countdown: Retailer Vape HQ Estimates 100ml E-liquid Prices Could Rise From £12.99 to £39.39, While Pod Kits Increase Less Than 10%
The UK’s Vaping Products Duty (VPD), scheduled to take effect in October 2026, is prompting retailers to assess how different vape categories may be affected. UK retailer Vape HQ has estimated potential price changes under the new volume-based tax system, showing that 100ml shortfill e-liquids could see prices rise from around £12.99 to £39.39, a 203% increase, while 2ml prefilled pod vape kits could rise from £5.99 to £6.52, an increase of about 9%. The estimates highlight how a volume-based tax structure creates uneven cost impacts across product categories.
Aug.19
BAT's VELO Partners With McLaren F1 Team for Global Fan Campaign to Expand Nicotine Pouch Brand Reach
BAT's VELO Partners With McLaren F1 Team for Global Fan Campaign to Expand Nicotine Pouch Brand Reach
BAT-owned nicotine pouch brand VELO and the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team have launched a global fan engagement campaign offering motorsport enthusiasts opportunities to win exclusive team-related experiences. The initiative aims to connect racing culture, fan interaction and VELO’s brand experience across global markets. The partnership reflects BAT’s broader strategy of expanding modern nicotine product brands beyond traditional tobacco categories through lifestyle and cultural marketing.
Jul.23
Charlie’s Bets on Age-Gating and 678 PMTA Assets as U.S. Vape Enforcement Landscape Shifts
Charlie’s Bets on Age-Gating and 678 PMTA Assets as U.S. Vape Enforcement Landscape Shifts
Charlie’s Holdings said in its latest shareholder letter that it is moving to commercialize PACHA products and monetize its PMTA assets as the FDA changes enforcement priorities for unauthorized ENDS products. Thirty PACHA SKUs were previously tentatively identified for a proposed public list of products that the FDA generally does not intend to prioritize for enforcement. Charlie’s is also preparing test-market sales of age-gated flavored disposables and says it currently holds 678 PMTA-related product assets while seeking additional strategic transactions and partnerships.
Sep.11
BREAKING | China’s Tobacco Regulator Summons iMiracle Over Suspected Compliance Breaches
BREAKING | China’s Tobacco Regulator Summons iMiracle Over Suspected Compliance Breaches
Based on public records reviewed by 2Firsts, this is the first time China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration has publicly announced regulatory talks with an e-cigarette company.
Jul.29
South Korean Lawmaker Jeong Jin-wook Pushes Synthetic Nicotine Vape Probe, Highlighting Supply Chain and Tax Concerns
South Korean Lawmaker Jeong Jin-wook Pushes Synthetic Nicotine Vape Probe, Highlighting Supply Chain and Tax Concerns
South Korean lawmaker Jeong Jin-wook has again called for stronger government action against liquid synthetic nicotine vape manufacturers and sellers, alleging that some businesses may have avoided regulation through product labeling changes and corporate restructuring. According to Newsworks, JNILBO and other Korean reports, Jeong has held his third press conference on the issue, calling for a government-wide investigation. The dispute involves whether synthetic nicotine products should fall under tobacco regulations, tax implications and supply-chain transparency. South Korean government agencies have previously said some estimates of potential tax losses cannot be verified due to limited sales data.
Jul.27