The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
BIC wins lighter lawsuit
SHELTON — BIC has won its lawsuit against California-based Arrow Lighter Inc.
The global lighter and razor manufacturer, which has its U.S. headquarters in Shelton, announced Tuesday that the International Trade Commission ruled in its favor in the company’s suit claiming that Arrow and its international affiliates were importing and selling “knock-off ” lighters.
“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 at BIC, in a statement.
Arrow has agreed to stop selling specific lighter models anywhere in the world as part of the resolution. The California-based company is also required to liquidate any current inventory of the knockoff lighters by Oct. 21.
Arrow models that will no longer be in production include Nos. ZY-7G, ZY-5G, ZY-8G, ZY-30E (MK Dura) and ZY-7G MT (Metal Flint
Gold and Silver).
BIC is continuing to sue other defendants, according to the company.
Arrow Lighter was not immediately available for comment on this article.
BIC filed the lawsuit in December 2018 with the ITC and the U.S. Federal District Court for the Eastern District of New York to stop the importation and sale of pocket lighters the company claimed were infringing on its trademarked product.
The manufacturer alleged that Arrow’s lighters branded “MK” imitated the shape and design of BIC’s lighters without upholding safety standards.
BIC had claimed the lighters were damaging its profits and reputation by deceiving consumers with false advertising while also risking their safety. The lawsuit accused MK of being involved in a 2009 lawsuit where the family of a Texas man alleged that one of the company’s lighters caused his death.
Burkhart said in previous interviews that the company tested the MK lighters and found that they do not conform to BIC safety standards, adding that products from MK failed flame height and drop tests, among others.
“Unfortunately, low-quality noncompliant imported lighters are rampant in the U.S. market, an overwhelming majority of which fail safety standards set forth by ASTM International, meaning they can lead to serious fires, damage or injuries,” Burkhart said in Tuesday’s statement. “BIC’s win not only protects BIC’s customers, employees and shareholders, it protects all consumers by removing non-compliant imported lighters from the U.S. market.”