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

Imperial Brands to Close Langenhagen Cigarette Factory by 2027
Imperial Brands to Close Langenhagen Cigarette Factory by 2027
Imperial Brands said it will gradually close the Reemtsma factory in Langenhagen near Hanover by 2027 after efforts to find a buyer failed to produce a sustainable agreement. The factory has produced cigarettes since 1971 and currently affects around 600 employees. The company said it had examined all realistic options over recent months but did not receive a binding offer from a potential buyer.
Mar.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Alaska AG warns 1,500+ retailers to stop selling unauthorized vapes and nicotine pouches
Alaska AG warns 1,500+ retailers to stop selling unauthorized vapes and nicotine pouches
Alaska’s attorney general has sent warning letters to more than 1,500 retailers and distributors, cautioning them against selling tobacco products — including e-cigarettes and oral nicotine pouches — that lack U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorization.
Mar.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Metal Body + AMOLED Screen: KT&G Launches New Heated Tobacco Device Lil Aible 3.0
Metal Body + AMOLED Screen: KT&G Launches New Heated Tobacco Device Lil Aible 3.0
KT&G said it will launch the heated tobacco device Lil Aible 3.0 at four stores in South Korea on February 28. The device shortens charging and preheating time while keeping features such as pausing during use, mode switching, and three consecutive uses. It adopts a metal body and an AMOLED display, comes in four colors, and will expand to Seoul-area convenience stores and the online mall in April, and nationwide convenience stores in May.
Feb.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Illinois HB 4652 Targets Discarded Vapes, Would Require Manufacturer-Funded Disposal Programs
Illinois HB 4652 Targets Discarded Vapes, Would Require Manufacturer-Funded Disposal Programs
Illinois House Bill 4652 proposes e-cigarette companies establish and fund safe disposal programs to combat environmental risks.
Mar.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Study Says Europe’s Illicit Disposable Vape Market to Reach EUR 6.6 Billion in 2026
Study Says Europe’s Illicit Disposable Vape Market to Reach EUR 6.6 Billion in 2026
A new study by the Fraunhofer Institute says the rapidly expanding illicit market for disposable e-cigarettes is undermining European regulation, fuelling youth vaping and causing significant tax losses. The study says the illicit market is worth EUR 6.6 billion in 2026 and is projected to rise to EUR 10.8 billion by 2030. It adds that a significant share of the disposable vape market now operates outside the regulatory framework established by the EU Tobacco Products Directive.
Mar.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK’s North Yorkshire Council plans up to £477,000 spend on e-cigarettes to support quitting smoking
UK’s North Yorkshire Council plans up to £477,000 spend on e-cigarettes to support quitting smoking
North Yorkshire Council in the UK is set to spend up to £477,000 on e-cigarettes to support residents quitting smoking. Since e-cigarettes were added to the council’s Living Well Smokefree service in July 2023, 487 people have used them to quit, with about a third remaining smoke-free after a year.
Mar.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai