Ya there have been quite an increase in small companies getting their hands on manufacturing for the generic ecig device, or even the 'real' thing and just rebrand and repackage and put it out through their own marketing/distribution channels to try and turn a profit. They can do it for a while, but eventually the patent holders will come knocking and if all the small start up holds is an application for a patent (even a slightly dissimilar tech) then they will be sued and closed down or else have to pay huge royalty fees.
BTW, the patent owner for the ecig is DGTLF. They have begun a campaign of lawsuits, not sure if SFIO is next but eventually they are planning to go after every brand and I remember a recent filing mentioned the brand 'Similar'. SFIO needs to get their 'heating coil' patent approved before Dragonite sues the pants off of them; that would be game over because of the already existing liabilities unless the web site immediately starts pulling in huge revs.
GLTA