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July 1, 2020

BIC scores legal victory in fight against knock-off lighters

PHOTO | Courtesy BIC
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

BIC, the Shelton-based manufacturer well-known for its pens, shavers and lighters, has secured a key federal decision in its battle to stop copycat lighters from being imported and sold in the United States.

Under the general exclusion order issued by the U.S. International Trade Commission, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection will enforce the importation restriction on any lighters designed to appear like BIC’s.

The company had reached out to the commission in December 2018 in an effort to stop the importation of what it describes as “low-quality, Chinese-made knock-off pocket lighters that imitate the design of BIC's lighters without upholding BIC's stringent safety and quality standards.”

Robert Miller, a BIC spokesman, indicated that BIC is concerned both with protecting the integrity of its pocket lighters and the safety of consumers.

Steve Burkhart, vice president and general counsel at BIC, called the commission’s decision the “best outcome” for the company.

“The registered trade dress and iconic design of BIC lighters will be protected by the U.S. government," Burkhart said in an announcement.  "Halting the importation of non-compliant, knock-off lighters into the U.S. market is not only a victory for BIC but for all of our consumers and customers who trust BIC lighters for our uncompromising commitment to safety, quality and reliability." 

According to BIC, while its products meet safety standards set forth by ASTM International, the imported knock-offs do not, potentially putting consumers and families at risk due to fire-related injuries and property damage.

Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.

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