Zippo News

Zippo Successfully Trademarks Shape

Zippo has been granted trademark protection for the shape of the familiar shape of the Zippo Windproof Lighter. The trademark was granted in the fall of 2002.

As a result of the ruling, Zippo is informing wholesalers and retailers that they have until June 30, 2003, to remove imitation lighters from their shelves. Infringing lighters have misled consumers over the years, said George Duke, third-generation owner of Zippo Manufacturing Company. We have invested significant money to promote our high-quality products and build a globally recognized brand. We will aggressively protect this trademark by using our legal right to stop the manufacturing of infringing products.

Many counterfeit lighters look a great deal like a real Zippo lighter. This is especially true of lighters that depict the designs and sentiments of the Vietnam War era. Zippo enthusiasts know that authentic Zippo lighters carry the Zippo logo, stamped on the bottom and the Zippo trademark stamped on the lighter insert. The famous Zippo Lifetime Guarantee also accompanies every genuine Zippo lighter.