RAW Rolling Papers Battles Sex Pill Maker In High-Stakes Trademark Clash
HBI International, the company behind the renowned RAW rolling papers, has filed a lawsuit against Mash Enterprise LLC for trademark infringement. The suit, lodged in Georgia, targets Mash Enterprise and its owner, Mashkoor Hassan, along with MIT Distribution and its owner, Mahide Rahman. The allegations center around the unauthorized use of RAW’s trademarks, trade dress and copyrights on male enhancement pills and beverages.
Trademark Violation and Consumer Deception
According to the lawsuit, first uncovered by Debra Borchardt of Green Market Report, HBI accuses Mash Enterprise of manufacturing, distributing, importing, advertising and selling male enhancement products branded with the “RAW” trademarks without permission. HBI asserts that it does not sell or distribute any male enhancement products and lacks the ability to verify the ingredients or manufacturing conditions of Mash’s pills and beverages. This incapability raises significant concerns about the quality and safety of these products, which are sold under the trusted RAW name.
RAW’s parent company, HBI, emphasized its rigorous promotional efforts and substantial financial investments in building the RAW brand. These efforts include Internet advertising, point-of-sale materials, sponsorships, contests and tradeshow attendance.
The Alleged Infringement
HBI’s legal complaint highlights how Mash Enterprise allegedly mimicked RAW’s logo and packaging. The male enhancement pills feature the word “RAW” in a similar font to the rolling papers and also include the term “classic,” a staple on RAW packaging. The phrase “Natural formula for male” further attempts to mirror RAW’s branding.
HBI reports that it ordered boxes of the infringing products, shipped from a Georgia warehouse, which justifies the lawsuit’s jurisdiction. The external packaging bore the RAW stamp, and the products inside were labeled “PRODUCED [sic] BY: Raw for Food Supplements Corp,” citing a Brooklyn, NY location. However, no such corporation exists in the New York State Corporation and Business Entity Database.
Health And Safety Concerns
Mash’s products claim to boost erections, sexual desire and overall sexual performance but …