BIC Wins Decisive Legal Victory Stopping Importation And Sale Of All Imitation Pocket Lighters in The United States

U.S. International Trade Commission issued a General Exclusion Order for all lighters copying the appearance of BIC lighters to be enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection

News provided by

BIC Corporation

Jul 01, 2020, 09:30 ET

SHELTON, Conn., July 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- BIC, a recognized world leader in manufacturing safe, high-quality stationery, lighters and shavers, received a General Exclusion Order from the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) that prevents the importation into the U.S. of all lighters that imitate BIC lighters' iconic appearance, which would infringe BIC's registered trade dress, regardless of who is importing the product. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection will enforce the order.

The ruling concludes an ITC investigation initiated by BIC on December 6, 2018 to stop the unauthorized importation into the U.S. of low-quality, Chinese-made knock-off pocket lighters that imitate the design of BIC's lighters without upholding BIC's stringent safety and quality standards. Through this investigation, BIC aimed to protect the safety of its customers and consumers and the integrity of its pocket lighter, trusted for its consistent high quality and safety standards for more than 45 years. BIC previously obtained a favorable resolution with Arrow Lighter, Inc., a named respondent in the investigation, in January 2020 blocking the worldwide sale of certain unauthorized, imitation pocket lighters branded "MK". The ITC also investigated Benxi Fenghe Lighter Co., Ltd., Excel Wholesale Distributors Inc., Wellpine Company Limited, and Zhuoye Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

"This is the best outcome we could hope for: the registered trade dress and iconic design of BIC lighters will be protected by the U.S. government," said Steve Burkhart, Vice President and General Counsel at BIC. "Halting the importation of non-compliant, knock-off lighters into the U.S. market is not only a victory for BIC but for all of our consumers and customers who trust BIC lighters for our uncompromising commitment to safety, quality and reliability."

Unfortunately, low-quality, non-compliant, imported lighters are prevalent in the U.S. market. An overwhelming majority of these lighters fail safety standards set forth by ASTM International, meaning they can lead to serious fires, damage to property, or injuries to consumers, customers, and their families. BIC routinely tests such lighters, consistently finding that these imported knockoffs fail to meet these safety standards.

BIC urges consumers and customers to always confirm they are purchasing a safe, high-quality BIC lighter by purchasing only from reputable, authorized retailers. Safety is a cornerstone of BIC's business and the number one priority for BIC lighters, which are fully compliant with all applicable government regulations in every country where BIC operates, and meet or exceed all international safety standards.

For more information about BIC's commitment to safety or for background about the lawsuit, please visit BICWorld.com.

ABOUT BIC

BIC is a world leader in stationery, lighters and shavers. For more than 75 years, the Company has honored the tradition of providing high-quality, affordable products to consumers everywhere. Through this unwavering dedication, BIC has become one of the most recognized brands and is a trademark registered worldwide. Today, BIC products are sold in more than 160 countries around the world and feature iconic brands such as Cello^®, Conté^®, BIC Flex^TM, Lucky Stationery, Made For YOU^TM, Soleil^®, Tipp-Ex^®, Wite-Out^® and more. In 2019, BIC Net Sales were 1,949.4 million euros. The Company is listed on "Euronext Paris," is part of the SBF120 and CAC Mid 60 indexes and is recognized for its commitment to sustainable development and education. It received an A- Leadership score from CDP. For more, visit www.bicworld.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube.