Josh Kesselman, founder of RAW and creator of its iconic rolling papers, celebrated an $8.7 million legal victory against counterfeiters in the most fitting way possible: by printing the court verdict on rolling paper and rolling a giant joint.

"This was the best way to celebrate our $8.7 million victory," Kesselman told Benzinga. "We rolled it up and smoked the lawsuit, literally."

The celebration followed a decisive ruling from the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada on Dec. 17, 2024. The court awarded BBK Tobacco & Foods, which distributes RAW under its HBI International brand, more than $3 million in disgorged profits from the defendants and an additional $5.6 million in statutory damages for copyright infringements related to RAW's packaging designs.

RAW has built a global reputation for high-quality rolling papers, cones and smoking accessories, attracting a loyal customer base. This victory reinforces the company's commitment to safeguarding its brand and ensuring authenticity in an industry rife with counterfeits.

Battling Counterfeit RAW Products

The lawsuit focused on counterfeit rolling papers sold under the "Brocone" brand, manufactured by Brocone Organic Private Limited in India. The products closely imitated RAW's packaging, down to the exact wording. While BBK reached a confidential settlement with NEPA Wholesale Inc., the primary U.S. distributor of Brocone products, in September 2023, litigation against Brocone Organic, U.S. importer AIMS Group USA Corporation and Florida One Wholesale, Inc. continued.

Kesselman expressed his determination to protect RAW customers, saying, "We have dedicated our lives to making the best rolling products on the planet. Our customers are our family. We can't let anyone willfully trick our family into buying something that isn't genuine RAW. Whether it's a counterfeit or a look-alike, we must protect our family from that sort of awful deception. We all deserve better, and we all get higher together!"

A Statement Beyond The Courtroom

The legal win sends a strong message to would-be counterfeiters and reinforces BBK's reputation for defending its intellectual property. The $8.7 million judgment is a reminder of the serious consequences of intellectual property theft, particularly in the highly competitive smoking accessories industry.

"This victory is about more than money," Kesselman emphasized. "It's about protecting what RAW stands for: quality, authenticity and respect for our customers."

By turning the verdict into a literal smoking celebration, Kesselman not only highlighted the company's creativity but also reaffirmed RAW's commitment to its loyal customer base and the principles that have made it a global leader in rolling paper innovation.

Photo: Courtesy of Josh Kesselman, edited by Javier Hasse