SHELTON, Conn. — Lighter manufacturer BIC has won a trademark infringement lawsuit against Arrow Lighter Inc., forcing City of Industry, Calif.-based Arrow to stop selling its MK branded lighters.
BIC, a maker of lighters, shavers and stationery, defeated Arrow in a lawsuit filed with the International Trade Commission (ITC), Shelton, Conn.-based BIC announced.
“Safety is a cornerstone of BIC’s business and is the No. 1 priority for BIC lighters, so we take it seriously when another brand tries to pass for a BIC,” said Steve Burkhart, vice president and general counsel for BIC. “Unfortunately, low-quality noncompliant imported lighters are rampant in the U.S. market, an overwhelming majority of which fail [international] safety standards … meaning they can lead to serious fires, damage or injuries. BIC routinely tests competitor lighters, consistently finding imported knockoffs that fail to meet these standards. BIC’s win not only protects BIC’s customers, employees and shareholders, it protects all consumers by removing noncompliant imported lighters from the U.S. market.”
In December 2018, BIC filed two lawsuits to stop the importation of overseas-made, knockoff pocket lighters in the United States, the company said. Those lawsuits were filed with the ITC and the United States Federal District Court for the Eastern District of New York. BIC continues to litigate against other defendants, officials said.
As part of the resolution, Arrow is also required to liquidate any current inventory of these lighters by Oct. 21, 2020. Arrow models that will no longer be in production include Arrow Product Nos. ZY-7G, ZY-5G, ZY-8G, ZY-30E (MK Dura) and ZY-7G MT (Metal Flint Gold and Silver).
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