The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to initiate an investigation into certain disposable vaporizer devices. Details of the products under investigation are outlined in the Commission’s notice of investigation.
Basis of Investigation
The investigation is founded on a complaint filed by RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc., R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, and RAI Services Company, all based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The initial complaint was filed on June 11, 2024, and supplemented on June 12 and July 1, 2024.
The complaint alleges violations of Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. Specifically, it concerns the importation and sale of certain disposable vaporizer devices that purportedly infringe on a patent held by the complainants. The complainants seek a general exclusion order, or alternatively, a limited exclusion order, along with cease and desist orders.
Respondents
The USITC has identified the following respondents in its investigation:
- Breeze Smoke LLC, West Bloomfield, MI
- Dongguan (Shenzhen) Shikai Technology Co., Ltd., Guangdong Province, China
- Vapeonly Technology Co. Ltd., San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- iMiracle (Shenzhen) Technology Co. Ltd., Luohu District, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Qisitech Co., Ltd., Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China
- Fewo Intelligent Manufacturing Ltd., Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China
- Nevera (HK) Ltd., San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Guangdong Cellular Workshop Electronics Technology Co., Ltd., Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China
- Wonder Ladies Ltd., Tortola, British Virgin Islands
- Sailing South Ltd., Tortola, British Virgin Islands
- Marea Morada Ltd., Tortola, British Virgin Islands
- Social Brands, LLC, Dallas, TX
- Zhuhai Qisitech Co., Ltd., Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China
- Shenzhen Han Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Palma Terra Ltd., Tortola, British Virgin Islands
- Shenzhen IVPS Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Heaven Gifts International Ltd., San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Maduro Distributors d/b/a The Loon, Minneapolis, MN
- Bidi Vapor, LLC, Orlando, FL
- Kimsun Technology (HuiZhou) Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Shenzhen Yanyang Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Pastel Cartel, LLC, Austin, TX
- American Vape Company, LLC, Pflugerville, TX
- Affiliated Imports, LLC, Austin, TX
- Shenzhen LC Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- LCF Labs, Inc., Ontario, CA
- Shenzhen Kangvpe Technology Co., Ltd., Bao’an District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Flumgio Technology Ltd., Tuen Mun, N.T., Hong Kong
- Shenzhen Pingray Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- SV3, LLC d/b/a Mi-One Brands, Phoenix, AZ
- Price Point Distributors Inc. d/b/a Price Point NY, Farmingdale, NY
- Flawless Vape Shop Inc, Anaheim, CA
- Flawless Vape Wholesale & Distribution Inc., Anaheim, CA
- TheSy, LLC d/b/a Element Vape, Alhambra, CA
- VICA Trading Inc. d/b/a Vapesourcing, Tustin, CA
Next Steps
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1410), the USITC has not yet reached a decision on the case’s merits. The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the Commission’s administrative law judges (ALJ). The ALJ will schedule and conduct an evidentiary hearing and make an initial determination regarding any Section 337 violation. This initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.
The USITC aims to make a final determination at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days of initiating the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for its completion. Remedial orders issued in Section 337 cases take effect upon issuance and become final 60 days later unless disapproved by the U.S. Trade Representative for policy reasons within that period.
