Shenzhen Weipuli and IQIYI Sue VPR for Intellectual Property Infringement

May.10.2023
Shenzhen Weipuli and IQIYI Sue VPR for Intellectual Property Infringement
Shenzhen Weipolli and AiqiJi (Hong Kong) file countersuit against VPR for allegedly imitating ELFBAR disposable e-cigarettes.

According to a report by LAW360, Shenzhen Weipolly and IQIYI (Hong Kong) have recently filed a countersuit in court against the US e-cigarette company VPR, alleging that they are planning to release a disposable e-cigarette product that blatantly copies ELFBAR.


As previously reported, in February of this year, VPR filed a lawsuit against "ELFBAR" for allegedly infringing on the company's "ELF" e-cigarette trademark. Subsequently, a judge ordered Shenzhen WeiBaoLi to cease marketing "ELFBAR" in the United States. In response, WeiBaoLi abandoned the "ELFBAR" trademark and changed it to "EB DESIGN.


WePower and Miracle (Hong Kong) stated in their counterclaims that they discovered VPR was preparing to launch a new line of disposable e-cigarettes called The Elf VPR 700 and Elf VPR 700 Ultra. Additionally, they found that VPR's new products were nearly identical to ELFBAR products in VPR's marketing materials.


Vibury and Miracle (Hong Kong) have stated that due to the launch of VPR's imitated disposable products, consumers will turn to these knock-off products instead of waiting for the ban to be lifted. This will further erode Miracle's market share. The resulting loss of market share and sales cannot be accurately quantified and cannot be fully compensated by monetary compensation.


At the same time, both Wayfoong Flour Mills and Aiqiji (Hong Kong) emphasized that they strictly comply with legal bans and have not used the name "ELFBAR" again for import, marketing, and sales.


Currently, the case is still under trial, and 2FIRSTS will continue to report on the progress of the case. Please stay tuned for further updates.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Turkish authorities seize $18,000 worth of illegal e-cigarettes, suspect released on bail
Turkish authorities seize $18,000 worth of illegal e-cigarettes, suspect released on bail
Turkish police seize $18,000 worth of illegal e-cigarettes in smuggling operation, detain suspect released pending further investigation.
Aug.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China Intensifies Tobacco Crime Crackdown, Strengthens Cross-Border Cooperation
China Intensifies Tobacco Crime Crackdown, Strengthens Cross-Border Cooperation
In the first half of 2025, China intensified efforts to combat tobacco-related offenses. According to official media under the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA), authorities handled 186,000 administrative tobacco cases nationwide, marking a 35.9% year-on-year increase. Among them, 10,710 were major cases involving over 50,000 yuan in value—a 160.3% surge from the same period last year.
Aug.19
FDA Approval of Five Juul Products Sparks Controversy: Industry Calls It “Support for Quitting,” Critics Say It “Endangers Youth”
FDA Approval of Five Juul Products Sparks Controversy: Industry Calls It “Support for Quitting,” Critics Say It “Endangers Youth”
The U.S. FDA approved five Juul e-cigarette products, triggering controversy. Industry groups welcomed the move as a long-overdue step to support adult smokers switching from cigarettes, while tobacco control advocates condemned it as a setback for youth protection. Juul remains one of the most popular brands among teens.
Jul.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Singapore Cracks Down on Illegal E-cigarettes Containing Etomidate; Over 100 People Involved in Investigation
Singapore Cracks Down on Illegal E-cigarettes Containing Etomidate; Over 100 People Involved in Investigation
Singapore authorities are stepping up efforts to combat illegal e-cigarettes containing etomidate and other synthetic cannabinoids, with more than 100 individuals currently under investigation. These e-cigarettes, which are infused with the powerful sedative etomidate, pose serious health risks. Authorities have successfully prosecuted the first case involving the manufacture of illegal e-cigarettes containing etomidate, underscoring their tough stance against such offenses.
Aug.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Illegal tobacco accounts for 50% of the market in Australia
Illegal tobacco accounts for 50% of the market in Australia
Illegal tobacco trade in Australia reaches more than 50%, prompting concerns over policy failures and rising organized crime.
Aug.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nepalese Authorities Prosecute E-cigarette Smuggling Ring: Over 310,000 Devices Involved, Facing Fines Exceeding $100 Million
Nepalese Authorities Prosecute E-cigarette Smuggling Ring: Over 310,000 Devices Involved, Facing Fines Exceeding $100 Million
The Department of Revenue Investigation (DRI) of Nepal has filed charges against 12 individuals accused of smuggling more than 310,000 e-cigarettes through fraudulent trade, causing tax losses of around USD 10 million. Prosecutors are seeking fines of nearly NPR 17.5 billion (about USD 100 million) as well as prison sentences. The defendants also face the maximum prison terms under law. The investigation revealed that the group used nearly 100 containers to transport goods and sold the products
Aug.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai