U.S. ITC Initiates 337 Investigation on STIIIZY and ALD

Regulations by 2FIRSTS, edited by Sophia
Mar.01.2024
U.S. ITC Initiates 337 Investigation on STIIIZY and ALD
ITC launches investigation into e-cigarette companies STIIIZY and ALD for alleged patent infringement based on complaint by PAX Labs.

On February 29, according to the official website of the United States International Trade Commission (ITC), the ITC has decided to conduct a Section 337 investigation on certain atomization devices, their components, and products containing the same products. This investigation involves companies such as STIIIZY and ALD.

 

This investigation is based on a complaint filed by PAX Labs Inc. on January 30, 2024, and supplemented on February 19, 20, and 21, 2024. The complaint alleges infringement of patents claimed by the complainant, involving the import and sale of certain oil vaporization devices, their components, and products containing the same in the United States. The complainant has requested the ITC to issue a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order.

 

ITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:

 

  • STIIIZY IP LLC, formerly known as STIIIZY, LLC, located in Los Angeles, California, USA; 
  • ALD Group Limited, based in Guangdong, China; 
  • ALD (Hong Kong) Holdings Limited, located in Hong Kong, China; 
  • STIIIZY Inc., also known as Shryne Group Inc., situated in Los Angeles, California, USA. 

 

The International Trade Commission (ITC) has not made any decisions yet on the substantive issues of the case initiated through investigation (337-TA-1392). The Chief Administrative Law Judge of the ITC will assign this case to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), who will schedule and conduct an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination on whether there is a violation of Section 337, which can be reviewed by the Commission.

 

Within 45 days of the investigation being initiated, the ITC will determine the target date for completing the investigation. Remedial orders in ITC Section 337 cases take effect upon publication and become final within 60 days of publication, unless vetoed by the United States Trade Representative for policy reasons within that 60-day period.

 

Previously, according to a report by Bloomberg on January 30th, e-cigarette manufacturer Pax Labs Inc. has filed a lawsuit against its competitor Stiiizy Inc. and its manufacturer ALD Group Ltd (ALD) for infringing on four of its patents.

 

Pax Labs alleges that Stiiizy and ALD, headquartered in Hong Kong, China, are manufacturing and selling vaporization devices, including batteries and pods, in a manner similar to Pax Labs' patented technology.

 

Pax Labs has obtained U.S. patents 11,369,756, 11,369,757, 11,766,527, and 11,759,580, which are related to methods for leak-proof pods and related devices. Pax Labs has alleged that these two companies have infringed upon the aforementioned patents.

 

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

Reuters Tracks Big Tobacco’s Shift Beyond Cigarettes as Nicotine Pouches Vie for the Next Growth Curve
Reuters Tracks Big Tobacco’s Shift Beyond Cigarettes as Nicotine Pouches Vie for the Next Growth Curve
As cigarette markets face long-term pressure, major tobacco companies are increasingly turning to nicotine pouches in search of growth beyond combustible tobacco. Reuters has examined whether nicotine pouches can become the next strategic growth platform for companies including Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco and Japan Tobacco. PMI strengthened its position through the acquisition of Swedish Match and its ZYN brand, while BAT and JTI continue expanding their own nicotine pouch portfolios. The category has gained attention because of its smoke-free, device-free format, but regulation, youth-use concerns and market scale will determine whether it can become a long-term growth engine.
Regulations
Aug.18 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Germany Expands Take-Back Rules for Disposable Vapes From July 1
Germany Expands Take-Back Rules for Disposable Vapes From July 1
Germany has expanded take-back obligations for disposable vapes from July 1, 2026, requiring consumers to be able to return used devices at stores that sell such products, including kiosks, petrol stations and vape shops, as e-cigarette regulation extends from sales to waste management and lithium-battery safety.
Market
Jul.06 by 2Firsts Perspectives
French Anti-Tobacco Group Questions PMI’s IQOS “Curiosity” Campaign Over Potential Youth Appeal
French Anti-Tobacco Group Questions PMI’s IQOS “Curiosity” Campaign Over Potential Youth Appeal
According to French anti-tobacco group Générations Sans Tabac, Philip Morris International’s (PMI) IQOS “Curiosity” campaign has drawn attention from public health advocates. The group argues that the campaign uses themes including curiosity, exploration and lifestyle branding that could increase interest among younger audiences. PMI has positioned IQOS as a key part of its smoke-free product strategy, while France maintains strict restrictions on tobacco and nicotine product marketing. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between heated tobacco branding strategies and public health concerns in Europe.
Jul.24
Australia’s Tobacco Tax Debate Intensifies as One Nation’s Barnaby Joyce Warns of Illicit Market Growth
Australia’s Tobacco Tax Debate Intensifies as One Nation’s Barnaby Joyce Warns of Illicit Market Growth
Australian One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce has criticised continued tobacco excise increases, arguing that higher taxes are driving consumers toward illicit tobacco markets and benefiting organised crime groups.
Regulations
Jul.13 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Product | JT Launches Ploom AURA Glacier White in Japan, Expanding the Device Ecosystem Through Color and Accessories
Product | JT Launches Ploom AURA Glacier White in Japan, Expanding the Device Ecosystem Through Color and Accessories
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) has introduced the Ploom AURA Glacier White heated tobacco device in Japan, adding a new color option to the existing Ploom AURA lineup. The device maintains the existing SMART HEATFLOW technology and HEAT SELECT SYSTEM with four heating modes, while expanding the ecosystem through new accessories including front panels, back covers, a car holder and wireless charging covers. The product entered pre-sale in Japan on June 30, 2026, followed by broader retail availability from July 7.
Aug.03
FDA Sued Over Allowing Some Unauthorized Vapes and Nicotine Pouches to Stay on Market
FDA Sued Over Allowing Some Unauthorized Vapes and Nicotine Pouches to Stay on Market
Public health groups, pediatricians and parents sued the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on July 14, 2026, challenging a May enforcement guidance that they say allows unauthorized e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches to remain on the market while applications are under review.
Jul.15