RAW Founder Celebrates $8.7M Legal Victory In A Very Peculiar Way: 'We Rolled It Up And Smoked The Lawsuit, Literally'

RAW, the renowned rolling paper brand, has recently emerged victorious from a seven-year legal battle against Republic Brands, with the court ordering Republic to pay $8.7 million in damages. In an unusual and symbolic celebration of the victory, RAW's founder, Josh Kesselman, announced that the company had "rolled it up and smoked the lawsuit, literally." This article explores the background of the legal dispute, the implications of the victory for RAW's future, and the unique way Kesselman chose to commemorate the occasion.



The legal battle between RAW and Republic Brands began in 2016 when HBI International, the parent company of RAW, discovered troubling similarities between Republic's OCB Organic Hemp paper packaging and RAW's Organic Hemp product packaging. This discovery sparked a seven-year state and federal court battle, with Republic accused of copyright and trade dress violations. RAW counterclaimed for infringement, and Republic brought a series of allegations against RAW, including false advertising, deceptive trade practices, and unfair competition. The case culminated in a permanent injunction against Republic, requiring it to cease the sale of certain products and stop making specific promotional statements.

RAW's victory in the legal battle has several strategic implications for its future growth and market position in the rolling paper industry. First, the court's ruling has solidified RAW's commitment to protecting its intellectual property and trade dress, sending a strong message to the industry and consumers about the company's dedication to safeguarding its brand and products. Second, with Republic Brands out of the picture, RAW has a clearer path to becoming the market leader in the rolling paper industry, allowing the company to focus on expanding its market share and consolidating its position. Additionally, the victory has boosted consumer confidence in the RAW brand, as the court's ruling validated the company's claims about its products and marketing. This increased trust can lead to higher sales and customer retention.

RAW's founder, Josh Kesselman, chose to celebrate the legal victory in a unique and symbolic way, announcing that the company had "rolled it up and smoked the lawsuit, literally." This peculiar celebration reflects RAW's brand identity and culture in several ways. First, it emphasizes the company's authentic and genuine approach to its products and brand, as Kesselman's honest and straightforward reaction to the victory aligns with RAW's commitment to transparency and honesty. Second, the celebration demonstrates RAW's resilience and ability to endure and overcome obstacles, which is a core aspect of its brand identity. Third, the unique celebration highlights RAW's focus on community and social responsibility, as the company has expressed a commitment to using the net earnings from the case to support cannabis-related small businesses, particularly those run by nonviolent cannabis offenders. Finally, the celebration underscores RAW's commitment to innovation and disruption, as the company is not afraid to stand out and challenge the status quo.

In conclusion, RAW's victory in the seven-year legal battle against Republic Brands has significant strategic implications for the company's future growth and market position in the rolling paper industry. The court's ruling has strengthened RAW's brand reputation, intellectual property protection, and market leadership, while also boosting consumer confidence in the brand. RAW's founder, Josh Kesselman, chose to celebrate the victory in a unique and symbolic way, reflecting the company's brand identity and culture by emphasizing authenticity, resilience, community focus, and innovation.