Top Takeaways:
- The USITC opened a Section 337 investigation after a patent complaint was filed by Juul Labs and VMR Products.
- The case alleges infringement of two U.S. patents covering vaporizer devices, pods, and related components.
- Juul and VMR are seeking exclusion and cease-and-desist orders against the Glas product.
The U.S. International Trade Commission has instituted a Section 337 investigation following a complaint filed by Juul Labs and VMR Products, alleging patent infringement involving certain vaporizer devices, cartridges, and related components.
According to a notice issued by the U.S. International Trade Commission, the investigation arises from a complaint filed on Sept. 30, 2025, with supplemental filings submitted in November and December. The complaint alleges infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 11,134,722 and 11,606,981 through the importation, sale for importation, and sale within the United States after importation of the accused products.
The scope of the investigation covers electronic nicotine delivery systems, including vaporizer devices, cartridges or “pods,” and associated components such as cartridge housings, atomizers, atomizer subassemblies, and device subassemblies.
JUUL Labs and VMR Products, both based in Washington, D.C., are named as complainants. The respondents named in the investigation are Glas, including Glas, Inc. and Glas, LLC, which are based in Los Angeles, California.
The complainants are seeking a limited exclusion order barring the importation of the accused products, as well as cease and desist orders prohibiting their sale within the United States.
The Commission stated that its Office of Unfair Import Investigations will not participate as a party in the investigation.
Section 337 investigations are conducted by the USITC to determine whether unfair acts in the importation of products, including patent infringement, have occurred. If a violation is found, the Commission may issue exclusion orders and other remedies independent of federal court proceedings.
