---
schema_version: "secwatch.filing_event.v1"
accession: "0001493152-24-048193"
form_type: "8-K"
ticker: "HCMC"
cik: "0000844856"
company_name: "Healthier Choices Management Corp."
filed_at: "2024-11-29T23:59:59+00:00"
generated_at: "2026-05-29T13:14:13.269508+00:00"
event_type: "litigation"
sentiment: "negative"
materiality_score: 0.9
calibrated_materiality_score: 0.9
confidence: "high"
source: SEC EDGAR
---

# HCMC loses patent appeal; infringement case against Philip Morris at risk of dismissal

## Summary
- On Nov 22, 2024, Federal Circuit denied HCMC's appeal of PTAB ruling that its patent is unpatentable.
- The patent was the basis of HCMC's infringement action against Philip Morris USA and Philip Morris Products S.A.
- HCMC may seek rehearing by the panel or full court; if not, the district court case must be dismissed.
- Financial impact not disclosed; HCMC is evaluating options.

## SEC filing metadata
- accession: 0001493152-24-048193
- form_type: 8-K
- ticker: HCMC
- cik: 0000844856
- company_name: Healthier Choices Management Corp.
- filed_at: 2024-11-29T23:59:59+00:00
- event_type: litigation
- sentiment: negative
- materiality_score: 0.9
- calibrated_materiality_score: 0.9
- confidence: high
- sec_items: 9.01
- EDGAR index: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/844856/000149315224048193/0001493152-24-048193-index.htm
- EDGAR primary document: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/844856/000149315224048193/form8-k.htm

## Machine-readable alternates
- HTML: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001493152-24-048193
- JSON: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001493152-24-048193.json
- Plain text: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001493152-24-048193.txt

This AI-assisted summary is a reading aid. Review the linked SEC EDGAR filing before relying on any specific claim.