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

UAE Sets Dh1-Per-ml Minimum Excise Price for Vape Liquids From Sept. 1 While Keeping 100% Tax Rate
UAE Sets Dh1-Per-ml Minimum Excise Price for Vape Liquids From Sept. 1 While Keeping 100% Tax Rate
The UAE Ministry of Finance will introduce a minimum excise price for e-liquids used in vaping and electronic smoking devices from September 1, 2026. The minimum excise price will be set at AED 1 per millilitre. The existing 100% excise tax rate will continue to apply to tobacco and electronic smoking products. The measure changes the minimum taxable base rather than the tax rate, with the UAE government saying it aims to establish unified tax standards, improve market compliance and prevent pricing loopholes.
Regulations
Aug.07 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
Special Report | China’s Tobacco Tax Debate Shifts Toward Tax Design as Policy Trade-offs Come Into Focus
Special Report | China’s Tobacco Tax Debate Shifts Toward Tax Design as Policy Trade-offs Come Into Focus
China’s tobacco tax debate is moving from whether to raise prices to how the tax system should be designed. At a Beijing forum on World No Tobacco Day, experts discussed higher specific excise taxes, minimum tax burdens and dynamic adjustments linked to income and inflation. The issue also connects to China’s broader consumption tax reform, health financing and chronic disease costs. Public reports did not mention e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, nicotine pouches or other new nicotine products.
Jun.11
PMI Oral Products Chief Says Lack of Rules May Push Nicotine Pouch Market Into Illicit Trade
PMI Oral Products Chief Says Lack of Rules May Push Nicotine Pouch Market Into Illicit Trade
Nick Ricketts, President of Oral Products at Philip Morris International (PMI), told Logos Press that nicotine pouches should be brought under clear regulatory frameworks covering nicotine limits, flavor rules, age verification, sales controls and marketing standards, arguing that the absence of clear rules or blanket bans may push consumer demand into illegal or semi-legal channels.
Jul.06
Haypp Report: Women Emerge as a Key Growth Driver in the UK Nicotine Pouch Market
Haypp Report: Women Emerge as a Key Growth Driver in the UK Nicotine Pouch Market
According to Haypp’s 2026 UK Nicotine Report, women are a key growth driver in the UK nicotine pouch market. Overall sales for Haypp and Northerner rose 60% year‑on‑year in 2025, but purchases by women surged 202%, versus 25% for men. Women’s share of consumers jumped from 22% to 40%. The report attributes this to discretion, perceived health benefits, and more gender‑neutral product positioning, suggesting future growth will come from a broader range of adult nicotine users.
Jul.01
Germany Seizes 56 Pallets of Illegal Vapes, Probe Estimates €1.8 Million Tax Loss
Germany Seizes 56 Pallets of Illegal Vapes, Probe Estimates €1.8 Million Tax Loss
German authorities have seized dozens of pallets of illegal disposable vapes in a criminal investigation, with the products estimated to have caused at least €1.8 million in tax losses. The case has also raised concerns over cross-border supply chains linked to unauthorized nicotine products entering the European market.
Jul.14