Altria Group is suing a subsidiary of its largest competitor, Reynolds American, of infringing on patents owned by Altria for some e-vapor and smokeless tobacco products.
The lawsuit asserts that R.J. Reynolds Vapor is violating nine patents owned by Altria, and its US Smokeless Tobacco subsidiary.
Altria is claiming that the design and functionality of two of Reynolds Vapor’s e-vapor products — Vuse Alto and Vuse Vibe — violate six patents for e-vapor products held by Altria. It also claims that a smokeless nicotine pouch product sold by Reynolds, Velo, violates three patents held by US Smokeless Tobacco.