Shelton-Based Bic Files Lawsuit Over Imitation Lighters

SHELTON, CT — BIC, known for its popular lighters and other products has filed a lawsuit with the International Trade Commission and the U.S. Federal District Court in an effort to block the importation and sale of Chinese-made "knock off" pocket lighters.

BIC maintains that the imitation amounts to trademark infringement and hurts its brand, according to a press release from the company. The defendants in the ITC complaint include Arrow Lighter Inc., MK Lighter Company, Zhuoye Lighter Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Wellpine Company Limited, Benxi Fenghe Lighter Co., Ltd., Excel Wholesale Distributors Inc. and Milan Import Export Company, LLC.

"For more than 40 years, BIC's pocket lighter, with its iconic look, has become famous in the

minds of consumers and trusted for its consistent high-quality and unyielding commitment to
safety,” said Steve Burkhart, Vice President and General Counsel at BIC. “The companies
importing and selling these imitation lighters are attempting to free ride on BIC's success by
appropriating BIC's distinctive registered trademarks and confusing American consumers into
believing that they are buying a BIC product, which is trusted for its high-quality and safety."

BIC alleged that MK lighters don't have the same safety and quality standards as BIC

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