Philip Morris International sues British American Tobacco over IQOS infringement, seeking 100 millio
The international tobacco industry has been full of major developments lately. First came the new U.S. e-cigarette regulations that angered many people, then the UK’s plan to impose a sin tax on e-cigarettes drew criticism from British health organization
Recently, the international tobacco industry has been quite lively. First, the new e-cigarette regulations in the United States angered many, followed by the UK's plan to impose a "sin tax" on e-cigarettes, which drew criticism from the UK health organization for being foolish and immoral. Now, it has been revealed that British American Tobacco's Glo product, which is a heated tobacco product, infringes on two patents of Philip Morris International (PMI), a subsidiary responsible for the research and development of e-cigarettes and other new tobacco products.
British American Tobacco
Recently, foreign media reported that Philip Morris International has sued British American Tobacco for infringement. They are demanding that the company cease production and sales of Glo and pay 100 million yen (approximately $898,500). PMI claims that certain technical features of British American Tobacco's HNB (a subsidiary responsible for the development and production of e-cigarettes and other new tobacco products) infringe on two of PMI's IQOS patents.
Philip Morris International IQOS product
A spokesperson for British American Tobacco expressed doubts about the validity of PMI's two patents. Although HNB sales in the Japanese market have slowed, both British American Tobacco and PMI continue to sell their respective e-cigarette products in Japan and promote them in other countries. Moreover, the e-cigarette devices sold by British American Tobacco in Japan contain nicotine, which is different from PMI's products.
British American Tobacco Glo product
It is understood that the growth of e-cigarette products in the Japanese market has begun to slow down. Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco, and Japan Tobacco have all significantly reduced prices to increase their sales in Japan. Unlike competitors who are diversifying their bets in e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, Philip Morris International has invested $3 billion primarily in the development of IQOS.
Regarding this incident, whether or not infringement has occurred, it is believed that this will not be resolved quickly. Facing two tobacco giants, who do you think has a better chance of winning? Feel free to leave your comments below.
British American Tobacco
Recently, foreign media reported that Philip Morris International has sued British American Tobacco for infringement. They are demanding that the company cease production and sales of Glo and pay 100 million yen (approximately $898,500). PMI claims that certain technical features of British American Tobacco's HNB (a subsidiary responsible for the development and production of e-cigarettes and other new tobacco products) infringe on two of PMI's IQOS patents.
Philip Morris International IQOS productA spokesperson for British American Tobacco expressed doubts about the validity of PMI's two patents. Although HNB sales in the Japanese market have slowed, both British American Tobacco and PMI continue to sell their respective e-cigarette products in Japan and promote them in other countries. Moreover, the e-cigarette devices sold by British American Tobacco in Japan contain nicotine, which is different from PMI's products.
British American Tobacco Glo product
It is understood that the growth of e-cigarette products in the Japanese market has begun to slow down. Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco, and Japan Tobacco have all significantly reduced prices to increase their sales in Japan. Unlike competitors who are diversifying their bets in e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, Philip Morris International has invested $3 billion primarily in the development of IQOS.
Regarding this incident, whether or not infringement has occurred, it is believed that this will not be resolved quickly. Facing two tobacco giants, who do you think has a better chance of winning? Feel free to leave your comments below.
