Came across this today
Dear Retailers, We have become aware that a Chinese manufacturer by the name of Shenzhen Hcigar Technology Co., Ltd. (Hcigar) has been illegally manufacturing and distributing low quality clones of the Surefire Vapor King mod to international retailers. Such actions are in violation of the intellectual property rights held by Surefire Vapor, LLC. Furthermore, these actions unlawfully damage our companys reputation, and hurt consumers by claiming that these inferior clones are equivalent to genuine Surefire Vapor products. Our legal team is taking immediate action to combat this problem with the intent of full legal prosecution of all parties involved, including the manufacturer, as well as all those involved in distributing these counterfeit products. Part of this action includes the use of under-cover private investigators to collect evidence of such illegal activities. Manufacturers and distributors of counterfeit products are guilty under civil law BPC 14245, which states that those who manufacture, use, distribute, display or sell goods with a counterfeit or copy of anothers trademark, may be subject to monetary penalties, injunctions, and property seizures. PEN 350 also provides that, for such activity, one is also subject to criminal prosecution, which carries a penalty fine of $10,000, and/or one year in prison; as well forfeiture of all proceeds. The federal statute Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act of 2008 cover broader acts of intellectual property piracy, and carry even heavier penalties. The department of justice has been cracking down on counterfeiting and piracy in recent months, and are actively seeking and prosecuting all parties involved in such activities. We are providing this information as a first and final warning to ultimately protect you from civil and criminal liability, because we highly value our retail partners. Our aim is to continue our mutually-beneficial relationships, and maintain a high standard for the vaping industry. In order to do so, we at Surefire Vapor LLC, have decided to take clear and immediate action to eliminate further damage to our brand reputation. Please help us protect you, and our company from the damages of counterfeiting and piracy by boycotting Surefire Vapor clones, as well as all other clones of high end personal vaping devices. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, The Surefire Vapor Team