E-cig retailer Veppo changes name of e-liquid nicotine flavors, following threat of legal action from Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds; Marlboro flavor now named My Burro, Camel flavor changed to 2 Humps
Michelle Rivera
October 14, 2011
(press release)
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It is announced by Veppo, an online retailer of e-cigarettes, e-liquid nicotine and personal vaporizers the new names for their popular e-liquid nicotine flavors. The Marlboro flavor eliquid is now named My Burro and the Camel e-liquid flavor is now named 2 Humps.
These changes were brought about due to threat of legal action from Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds. They claimed trademark infringement of their brands Marlboro and Camel as they believed that the logos and word marks used by Veppo were too similar to those used by these brands.
“In the spirit of cooperation with Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds, we are making the name changes to our e-liquid nicotine flavors as a courtesy. Our customers will still be able to enjoy their favorite e-liquid flavor. As e-cigarettes have been growing in popularity and market share, this may equate greater scrutiny by big tobacco in the future. Any communications received will be addressed as necessary.”
In an email and certified letter sent to Veppo from their attorneys, Philip Morris requested that the font for the letter “M” be changed with M’boro (the Marlboro flavored e-liquid) as it was too similar. They additionally requested that the name be changed as it was “confusingly similar” to the Marlboro name as Veppo removed some of the letters and replaced them with an apostrophe.
“In the spirit of cooperation with Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds, we are making the name changes to our e-liquid nicotine flavors as a courtesy,” said Veppo founder Keith King. “Our customers will still be able to enjoy their favorite e-liquid flavor. As e-cigarettes have been growing in popularity and market share, this may equate greater scrutiny by big tobacco in the future. Any communications received will be addressed as necessary.”
E-cigarettes are becoming a popular option over tobacco cigarettes, which is a probable reason why Veppo has been targeted by Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds. Regular tobacco cigarettes can include over 4000 chemicals in their make up along with carcinogens. The underlying cause of tobacco addiction lies in their nicotine content. With e-cigarettes, the need for nicotine is addressed via e-liquid nicotine. Inhalation of this product does not produce the harmful side effects present with tobacco cigarettes. Additionally, second hand smoke is not an issue as vapor is exhaled by the smoker rather than smoke.
E-cigarettes are not intended as an aid for quitting smoking although they have helped many users to do so. As the nicotine is delivered to the smoker efficiently, the need for it may be lessened over time. The primary use of e-cigarettes is to be a method of smoking that is an alternative to tobacco cigarettes.
Veppo is an innovative leader in the e-cigarette and personal vaporizer industry. Their goal is to provide a nicotine delivery alternative to tobacco cigarettes by introducing new technologies in this industry. The offer both disposable and refillable options, including starter kits for those new to e-cigarettes. Recently introduced to their product line is the Veppo 510 e-cigarette that will integrate with cartridges as well as cartomizers.
Coming in October 2011 is their new personal vaporizer products to address the needs of heavy smokers. Veppo stands behind their products by offering excellent customer service. Visit http://www.veppocig.com for more information.
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