United States Patent · US 11,678,692 B2 · Granted June 20, 2023
Jas Sum Kral Inc. holds the exclusive USPTO-granted patent covering the system, method, apparatus, and composition for enhancing rolled tobacco products with cannabidiol. If your company infuses cigars with CBD or other liquid supplements using needle injection, you need to talk to us.
THE SCOPE OF PROTECTION · US 11,678,692 B2
US 11,678,692 B2 is not a narrow patent covering a single product configuration. It is a broad, multi-layered grant that covers the hardware (the needle), the method (the two-depth injection protocol), the composition (the CBD carrier formulation), and the packaging process (the cellophane wrapping method). Together, these four layers create a comprehensive wall of protection around the JSK Precision Infusion Process.
The patent was granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office on June 20, 2023, following a full examination against seven prior art references — all of which were distinguished. It has not been challenged via inter partes review or any other post-grant proceeding. Under 35 U.S.C. § 282, it is presumed valid.
CLAIM 01
Claim 1 covers any needle with multiple circumferentially-spaced penetrating tips arranged around the distal end. This multi-tip design is what makes injection into densely packed premium tobacco possible without clogging. No standard single-tip syringe needle can replicate this.
CLAIM 02
Claim 9 covers the two-depth injection protocol — a proprietary sequence of insertion depths and injection timing. Combined with precise heating and preparation requirements, this is the only validated method for achieving even CBD distribution throughout a finished premium cigar.
CLAIM 03
Claims 4–6 cover the CBD carrier system — a proprietary solution formulation with terpenes added as flavor and bioavailability enhancers. This specific combination is claimed as part of the patented system.
CLAIM 04
Claims 10–14 cover the post-injection cellophane wrapping method that seals the infused cigar, prevents evaporation of the CBD solution, and maintains product integrity during storage and shipping.
PRIOR ART ANALYSIS · US 11,678,692 B2
During examination, the USPTO cited seven prior art references against JSK's application. All seven were distinguished. Understanding what these references cover — and why they do not anticipate JSK's claims — is essential for any company assessing infringement risk.
| Patent | Assignee | Year | What It Covers | Why It Doesn't Anticipate JSK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US 4,848,373 | Philip Morris | 1989 | Flavor injection into cigarettes during manufacturing | Covers cigarettes during manufacturing, not finished premium cigars post-roll. No multi-tip needle. No CBD. |
| US 5,060,676 | Philip Morris | 1991 | Tobacco rod flavor injection system | Manufacturing-stage process for cigarettes. Does not cover the JSK injection method or CBD carrier system. |
| US 5,372,149 | Philip Morris | 1994 | Cigarette flavor injection via hollow needle | Single-tip hollow needle. Cigarettes only. No circumferential tip arrangement. |
| US 5,443,082 | RJ Reynolds | 1995 | Tobacco flavor delivery via porous rod | Porous rod insert, not needle injection. Entirely different mechanism. No CBD. |
| US 6,135,121 | Philip Morris | 2000 | Tobacco flavor injection with multiple needles | Multiple separate needles, not a single needle with multiple tips. No two-depth protocol. |
| US 7,556,047 | USDA | 2009 | Tobacco curing and treatment method | Agricultural curing process. Not a consumer product infusion method. No CBD. |
| US 10,765,143 | Altria/Philip Morris | 2020 | E-cigarette/vape liquid delivery system | Electronic nicotine delivery, not rolled tobacco. Entirely different product category. |
Not one of the seven cited references involves CBD injection into a finished premium cigar. Not one has the multi-tip circumferential needle design. Not one has the JSK injection method. The USPTO examiner reviewed all seven and concluded that JSK's combination of elements was novel and non-obvious. This is a strong, well-examined patent.
CITED BY — INDUSTRY VALIDATION
When a company files a patent application and cites an existing patent, it is acknowledging that the existing patent is relevant prior art in their field. Four entities have already cited US 11,678,692 B2 in subsequent patent filings — a clear signal that the industry recognizes JSK's patent as the foundational reference in this space.
US20230118618A1
Transport Authority filed a patent application covering injection of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) — including cannabinoids — into pre-rolls and other smokable products. They cited JSK's patent as prior art, acknowledging it as the foundational reference. This application is still pending. If granted, Transport Authority will need a license from JSK to operate.
US12171259B2
This granted patent covers a filter system for combustible smoking products. It cited JSK's patent in the context of CBD-infused tobacco products, acknowledging JSK's work as the relevant prior art for the infused cigar category.
US20230103729A1
Alex Mateo filed a patent application for cigar infusement that directly overlapped with JSK's claims. The application was abandoned — meaning the USPTO likely found it anticipated by JSK's already-granted patent. This is a direct validation of JSK's priority.
KR102640563B1
KT&G is one of the world's largest tobacco companies (~$4B annual revenue). They patented a device for injecting additive into cigarettes and cited JSK's US patent as prior art. Their citation of JSK confirms that the world's major tobacco players are watching this space and view JSK as the pioneer.
THE OPPORTUNITY
$36B → $225B
Global CBD product market, 2024 to 2033 (22.3% CAGR)
$27B → $35.9B
Global premium cigar market, 2024 to 2033
8.8%
Median royalty rate for cannabis technology patents (industry benchmark)
4
Companies that have already cited this patent in subsequent filings
The intersection of the premium cigar market and the CBD/cannabis market represents one of the fastest-growing product categories in consumer goods. JSK's patent sits at the exact center of this intersection — and it is the only USPTO-granted patent covering the method for getting there.
TARGET LICENSEES
If you manufacture hand-rolled premium cigars and you are injecting, infusing, or planning to infuse CBD, hemp extract, or any liquid supplement into your finished cigars using needle injection, you need a license. This includes both domestic and international manufacturers selling into the US market.
If you produce cannabis or hemp pre-rolls and you inject any liquid additive — CBD, terpenes, distillate, or other supplements — into finished pre-rolls using needle injection, Claim 1 of this patent likely applies to your process.
If you operate a contract infusion service that processes cigars, pre-rolls, or other rolled tobacco products for third-party brands, you are the direct infringer regardless of whether your clients hold licenses. You need your own license.
Distributors and importers who knowingly sell infringing products may face contributory infringement liability. If you carry CBD-infused cigars from manufacturers who do not hold a JSK license, you should understand your exposure.
Hemp cigars and hemp pre-rolls are typically classified as tobacco products by the FDA. If your hemp cigar brand uses needle injection to infuse CBD or other supplements, the patent applies.
Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco, Altria, and other major tobacco companies have all made significant investments in cannabis and CBD product development. When any of these companies develops a CBD-infused cigar for the US market, they will face this patent.
STRATEGIC SIGNALS
The most significant signal in the competitive landscape is not from small CBD brands — it is from the world's major tobacco companies. KT&G (South Korea's national tobacco company, $4 billion in annual revenue) patented their own additive injection device and cited JSK's US patent as prior art. This is not a coincidence. It is a deliberate acknowledgment that JSK's patent is the foundational reference in this technology space.
Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco, and Altria have all made significant investments in cannabis and CBD product development. When any of these companies develops a CBD-infused cigar for the US market, they will face JSK's patent. The window for establishing JSK as the recognized licensor of this technology is now.
REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT
The FDA's regulation of CBD tobacco products is evolving rapidly. The FDA has authority over tobacco products under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, and hemp-derived CBD products occupy a complex regulatory space that is still being defined. In this environment, being a licensed operator under a granted US patent provides a significant advantage.
Licensed operators can demonstrate to regulators, distributors, and retail partners that their infusion process is based on a validated, patented technology — not an improvised or unvalidated method. The patent's detailed specification provides the foundation for a standardized, reproducible process that can be documented for regulatory submissions.
LICENSING PROGRAM · US 11,678,692 B2
Jas Sum Kral Inc. is offering licensing agreements to qualified manufacturers who wish to use the patented JSK Precision Infusion method. A license provides legal certainty, market credibility, and access to the only USPTO-granted method for precision CBD injection into premium cigars.
Some companies attempt to "design around" patents by modifying their process to avoid specific claim language. With US 11,678,692 B2, this is exceptionally difficult. Claim 1 covers any needle with multiple circumferentially-spaced penetrating tips — a design requirement that is not optional if you want to inject into densely packed premium tobacco without clogging. Claim 9 covers the proprietary injection protocol developed through extensive R&D — the specific parameters are protected and cannot be replicated without a license.
The patent has already been tested against seven prior art references and survived. The cost of designing around this patent — in R&D time, legal fees, and the risk of getting it wrong — typically exceeds the cost of a reasonable licensing agreement. More importantly, a license provides certainty: you know you are operating legally.
"Patent infringement under 35 U.S.C. § 271 carries significant financial exposure — up to treble damages for willful infringement, plus attorney's fees. A licensing agreement eliminates this risk entirely."
JSK does not offer a one-size-fits-all licensing program. Every agreement is negotiated based on the licensee's production volume, geographic scope, product category, and business model.
A percentage of net sales royalty, typically in the range of 5–10% depending on product category and volume. This is the most common licensing structure and aligns JSK's interests with the licensee's commercial success.
Best for: Established manufacturers with predictable revenue
A fixed annual or multi-year license fee, negotiated based on estimated production volume. Provides cost certainty for the licensee and eliminates the need for ongoing royalty reporting.
Best for: Smaller manufacturers or startups seeking cost certainty
An exclusive license grants the licensee the sole right to use the patented technology within a defined market segment or geographic territory. Exclusive licenses command a significant premium but can provide a decisive competitive advantage.
Best for: Large manufacturers seeking market exclusivity
01
Submit the inquiry form with information about your company, product type, production method, and estimated volume. All inquiries are treated as confidential.
02
JSK's team reviews your inquiry and conducts a preliminary assessment of whether your current or planned activities fall within the patent's scope. We respond within 5 business days.
03
If a licensing relationship is appropriate, JSK issues a non-binding term sheet outlining the proposed license structure, royalty rate or fee, territory, and duration.
04
Both parties negotiate and execute a formal license agreement. Upon execution, the licensee receives a certificate of license and the right to use the JSK Certified mark.
Operate with full confidence that your production methods are licensed under US 11,678,692 B2. Eliminate the risk of infringement claims, injunctions, and damages.
License holders may market their products as using 'JSK Certified Technology — Licensed Under US Patent No. 11,678,692 B2.' This differentiates your product in a crowded market.
JSK's team has years of operational experience with the infusion process. Licensees receive access to technical guidance on needle specifications, solution preparation, and curing protocols.
Early licensees establish themselves as legitimate operators in the category before regulatory scrutiny increases. Being a licensed operator will matter more as the FDA pays closer attention to CBD tobacco products.
Depending on the agreement structure, licensees may have the right to sub-license the technology to their contract manufacturers or production partners.
Existing licensees receive priority consideration for license renewals and have the right of first refusal on exclusive territory arrangements that become available.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A: If you use a needle with multiple tips or holes to inject any liquid supplement into a finished rolled tobacco product (cigar, cigarillo, blunt, pre-roll), you are likely within the scope of Claim 1. If you also heat your CBD solution to approximately 40°C with agitation and inject at two different depths, you are within the scope of Claim 9. We recommend consulting with a patent attorney and reaching out to JSK for a preliminary assessment.
A: Claim 1 covers any needle comprising 'a plurality of penetrating tips spaced circumferentially around the distal end of the sidewall.' If your needle has multiple tips arranged around the end of the needle body — regardless of the exact number, spacing, or shape — you are likely within the claim's scope. The doctrine of equivalents may also apply to designs that achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way.
A: Claim 1 covers 'a rolled tobacco product.' Hemp cigars and hemp pre-rolls are typically classified as tobacco products by the FDA (since hemp is a variety of Cannabis sativa). However, the specific classification depends on the product and jurisdiction. We recommend consulting with a regulatory attorney, and we are happy to discuss the specific application of the patent to your product category.
A: We do not publish standard royalty rates because every agreement is negotiated based on the specific circumstances. Industry benchmarks for cannabis technology patents range from 5% to 15% of net sales. We work to structure agreements that are commercially reasonable for both parties. The goal is a long-term partnership, not a punitive arrangement.
A: In most cases, we license the patent as a whole rather than individual claims. This provides the licensee with comprehensive protection and simplifies the agreement. In specific circumstances — for example, a company that only uses the carrier system (Claims 4–6) but not the needle — a more limited license may be appropriate.
A: We encourage companies that believe they may be infringing to reach out proactively. In most cases, we prefer to negotiate a licensing agreement rather than pursue litigation. Companies that come to us in good faith before receiving a formal notice typically receive more favorable terms than those who wait for enforcement action.
A: US 11,678,692 B2 was granted by the USPTO on June 20, 2023, following a full examination against seven prior art references. It has not been challenged via inter partes review (IPR) or any other post-grant proceeding. The patent is presumed valid under 35 U.S.C. § 282.
A: JSK's product line remains active. The licensing program is an additional revenue stream that allows other manufacturers to legally use the patented technology. JSK reserves the right to continue manufacturing and selling its own products under the patent.
LICENSING INQUIRY
All inquiries are treated as strictly confidential. Submitting this form does not create any legal obligation on either party. A member of JSK's team will respond within 5 business days.