--> http://circ.ahajournals.org/search?qbe=circulationaha%3BCIRCULATIONAHA.114.012089&citation=Herzig%20131%20%286%29:%20e341&submit=yes
"The first concept of an electric cigarette was patented in 1965 by Herbert A Gilbert. Subsequently, an aerosolized, high-frequency e-cigarette was patented in China by Mr. Hon Lik and Ruyan Technology; it entered the marketplace in 20035and was patented internationally in 2007. Ruyan has since registered patents in >40 countries, including the United States, and has already brought patent infringement lawsuits against several e-cigarette manufacturers. ---"
"-- As of early 2014, there were 466 brands and 7764 unique flavors of e-cigarette products. These products are now widely available online and in retail outlets in many countries across the world.---"
"--- Although the sale of e-cigarettes is prohibited in some countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Singapore, and Switzerland), it is allowed in most others, including the United States---"