Increase in number of new tobacco trademarks

Last year, 650 new trademarks were registered by big tobacco firms. This was a 125% increase on previous years. Tobacco firms now look to protect their business investments due to the vast influx of the electronic cigarette market. Last year 652 trademark registrations were filed in the UK in comparison to 290 in 2012 and just 161 in 2010. Over the last year, tobacco firms have made huge investments in e-cigarettes. In 2012 Lorillard, the third largest cigarette firm in the US invested and acquired SkyCig for £30m. In June this year, Philip Morris acquired UK-based Nicocigs, owner of Nicolites RPC partner and head of intellectual property and technology Jeremy Drew said the following on the matter: “Global tobacco businesses are pouring millions of pounds into these new brands, which means more activity in protecting their brands with trademark registrations,” “As the e-cigarette industry continues to expand, tobacco businesses will be looking to launch new products and to invest heavily to differentiate their products through branding and advertising.” Theresa Wright 2nd year Law student