Keurig plans protection measures against generic refill pods
Patents that expired in 2012 allowed manufacturers to produce K-cups priced lower than the official Green Mountain refills.
Keurig says its next generation of single-serve coffee makers will contain protection against the generic, cheaper refill cups that have gained seen a rise in popularity since patents protecting the K-cup technology expired in 2012. Keurig 2.0 machines, set to appear in stores this year, will offer a 28-ounce serving size as well as technology designed to prevent unlicensed K-cups from working with the devices.