A jury in North Carolina has ruled that R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co must pay Altria Group Inc more than USD 95 million for violating several patents, reports Reuters.

Altria had accused Reynolds of violating patents related to vaping devices with pods for storing and heating liquid nicotine, reports Reuters. The North Carolina jury concurred with the accusations and found that Reynold’s top-selling Vuse e-cigarettes infringed three Altria patents. Altria had initially requested over 5 per cent of royalties on Vuse Alto sales and has now accepted a sum of USD 95.2 million for past damages with the possibility of Reynolds having to pay more in ongoing damages until the patents expire in 2035 after post-trial proceedings, according to Reuters.
Murray Garnick, Altria’s executive vice president and general counsel, said the company was “pleased that the jury recognized the importance of Altria’s innovation and the value of its patent rights.”
A spokesperson for Reynolds said the company was disappointed by the verdict and would “vigorously defend the issues remaining for the court,” and will appeal if necessary, reports Reuters.