Zippo Sues Lorillard's E-Cigarette Subsidiary For Trademark Infringement

Lawsuit seeks to prevent the sale of e-cigs using Zippo's "BLU" trademarks

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May 20, 2014, 08:00 ET

BRADFORD, Pa., May 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Zippo Manufacturing Company − maker of the iconic Zippo® lighter – and its subsidiary ZippMark, Inc. (collectively "Zippo" or the "Company"), announced today that they have sued LOEC, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lorillard, for trademark infringement in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The Company's lawsuit seeks to prevent LOEC from selling its electronic cigarettes, or "e-cigs," under the brand name "blu" in light of Zippo's ownership of the trademark BLU® for its line of blue-flame butane lighters.

"Despite our attempts to resolve this matter amicably, Zippo has been compelled to seek the Court's assistance to protect our BLU trademarks," said Zippo President and CEO Gregory Booth. "Zippo is instantly recognizable because we have long understood the value of our brand and the need to vigorously protect it against use by others. Our BLU trademarks are similarly valuable and will be similarly protected."

Zippo's trademark infringement claim came in response to LOEC seeking a declaratory judgment of noninfringement. Zippo is represented by attorneys from Squire Sanders (US) LLP in Palo Alto and Los Angeles, CA. LOEC, Inc. v. ZippMark, Inc., and Zippo Mfg. Co., Civil Action No. 2:14-cv-02596-RGK-FFM.

About Zippo

One of the most recognized brands in the world, Zippo was founded in the fall of 1932 by George G. Blaisdell in Bradford, PA, where it has manufactured over 500 million windproof lighters. With the exception of improvements to the flint wheel and modifications in case finishes, the product remains unchanged and is backed by the company's famous pocket lighter lifetime guarantee: It works, or we fix it free.™ Zippo's diverse product line includes lighter accessories; butane candle lighters; fragrance, and lifestyle accessories for men; and a robust line of heat and flame products for outdoor enthusiasts. Zippo markets in over 160 countries and also owns the Ronson brand of lighters and fuel and W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company, both based in Bradford, PA. For more information, visit Zippo.com.

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SOURCE Zippo Manufacturing Company