Republic Brands Announces Major Anti-Counterfeiting Enforcement Action

GLENVIEW, Ill., Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Industry leader Republic Brands continues its crackdown on counterfeits. As part of its nationwide fight against fakes, Republic has filed five new lawsuits in New York and New Jersey against companies alleged to have sold counterfeit e-z wider products. Republic also cooperated with New Jersey State Police in their investigation of New Jersey distributor, Sunrise Wholesalers, resulting in the seizure of thousands of counterfeit booklets and a criminal counterfeiting charge against one of its operators. These measures are just the latest in Republic's unwavering commitment to protecting consumers and preserving the integrity of the e-z wider brand.

Don Levin, CEO of Republic, stated: "Our message is simple: if you sell fake Republic products, we will stop you. Whether you are a distributor, wholesaler, retailer, or the individual behind the operation, Republic will use every tool available under the law to protect its brands and the public.If you are engaged in counterfeiting, you should understand that you face not only significant civil liability, but also the possibility of criminal prosecution."

Republic's newest lawsuits allege that national convenience store operators Atlantis Management Group LLC and Atlantis Fresh Market LLC, and wholesale suppliers Kings Cash and Carry Inc., Omega Wholesale Inc., Yemen City Plus Corp. d/b/a Yemen City Plus Wholesale Cash and Carry, and United Candy and Tobacco Co. Inc., sold counterfeit e-z wider papers on multiple occasions. Certain lawsuits also name the individuals believed to have directed, participated in, benefited from, or facilitated the counterfeiting activities as defendants. Republic is represented by Maia Woodhouse of the law firm Adams & Reese in its ongoing efforts to combat counterfeit products.

Over the past few years, Republic has filed numerous lawsuits to stop the sale of counterfeit products, participated in civil and criminal seizures, and obtained million-dollar judgments against multiple counterfeit sellers. Republic will continue its relentless pursuit to protect the public and its iconic family of brands, and encourages anyone who suspects counterfeit e-z wider products to report them to Republic.

For information regarding suspected counterfeit products or press inquiries, please contact Republic at [email protected] or 1- 800-288-8888.

About Republic Brands

The world's leading rolling company, Republic Brands holds the most extensive portfolio in the category including OCB^®, JOB^®, e-z wider, DRUM^®, Premier^®, Gambler^®, and TOP^® brands. With a 200-year-old cultural legacy, the family-owned company brings consumers the best experience from plant to puff by combining old-world artisan quality with modern sensibilities. With its wide-reaching distribution network across 120 countries, Republic Brands operates seven manufacturing facilities across North America and Europe. For more information, please visit www.republicbrands.com.

About Adams & Reese LLP

Adams & Reese LLP is a multidisciplinary, national law firm of global reach providing comprehensive legal services to clients across a wide range of industries. With over 350 attorneys and government relations advisors strategically located in 20 major cities throughout the southern and western United States, the firm serves multinational corporations, regional businesses, governmental entities, institutions, and individuals in matters spanning more than 50 practice areas, including corporate transactions, financial services, litigation, government relations and regulatory compliance, construction, aviation, energy, liquor and hospitality, real estate, and intellectual property, among other practice areas. Founded in 1951, Adams & Reese has expanded its capabilities to meet the demands of an evolving and increasingly complex legal landscape, advising clients through challenging markets, economic cycles, and landmark cases. The firm's attorneys and government relations advisors have built a strong reputation for delivering innovative, results-driven legal counsel that is tailored to serve each client's objectives and needs. For more information or to see a list of services, visit www.adamsandreese.com.

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SOURCE Republic Brands; Adams & Reese