Altria, the parent company of Philip Morris USA (makers of Marlboro cigarettes) and e-cigarette maker Juul’s largest investor, sued R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company for allegedly infringing upon the company’s e-cigarette patents.
A North Carolina jury reached a verdict in the case earlier this month. As a result, R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company must pay Altria over $95 million. According to the jury’s findings, RJR’s Vuse line violated three patents held by Altria.
It is possible that RJR could owe more than the $95.2 million awarded, which was based on Altria’s proposal that RJR pays Altria more than 5% of the company’s royalties from Vuse Alto sales.
A spokesperson for RJR reportedly said that the company was disappointed by the verdict that had been reached and would “vigorously defend the issues remaining for the court,” and file an appeal if necessary, Reuters reported.
In unrelated news, the FDA previously authorized the marketing of RJR’s Vuse Solo while issuing marketing denial orders (MDOs) for Juul’s competing vaping products. Juul Labs is suing the FDA over its refusal to disclose documents related to the agency’s decision.
