What Happened to E. Mishan & Sons, Inc. (Emson)?

E. Mishan & Sons, Inc., operating as Emson, began its journey in 1946 when Ezra, Ike, and Al Mishan established a small storefront in Midtown Manhattan, initially selling linens and home products. The company quickly demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, pivoting from a retail business to a wholesale distributor, importing goods directly and supplying other small retailers. This evolution laid the groundwork for Emson's future as a manufacturer of innovative products designed to meet consumer needs.

A significant turning point for Emson came with its embrace of direct-to-consumer marketing. Starting with mail-order catalogs, the company became a pioneer in the 'As Seen on TV' phenomenon during the 1980s, leveraging television infomercials to popularize products such as the Bacon Wave, Wonder Steamer, and Pull-Up Exerciser. This direct response television (DRTV) model allowed Emson to build strong brand recognition and reach a mass audience. Concurrently, Emson expanded its reach by forging partnerships with major retailers like Macy's, Bradshaw's, and Alexander's, establishing an early omnichannel presence.

In recent years, Emson has continued to adapt its marketing and distribution strategies to the digital age. While still utilizing television, it now employs an omnichannel approach that includes over-the-top (OTT) media, internet sales, e-stores, and platforms like Amazon, alongside traditional retail shelves. The company designs, engineers, manufactures, markets, and distributes a diverse portfolio of products across categories such as cookware (Gotham Steel, Granitestone), home improvement (Bell+Howell branded items), automotive, and personal care.

Emson has faced and navigated intellectual property challenges. In December 2018, Emson filed Lanham Act claims for false advertising against Masterpan, Inc. and Smart & Eazy Corp. regarding their 'The Original Copper Pan' product, alleging unfair competition with Emson's Gotham Steel cookware. In March 2019, Emson sued Tekno Products, Inc. for false advertising, unfair competition, trade dress, and copyright infringement, specifically concerning Tekno's 'Granite Tuff' pans and other products falsely marketed as 'As Seen On TV'. The company also faced a patent infringement lawsuit from Spin Master Ltd. in late 2019 concerning its 'Radical Racers' toys, which resulted in a preliminary injunction against Emson, though the dispute was settled and the case dismissed by March 2020.

Despite these legal skirmishes, Emson's commitment to innovation and market presence has been recognized, notably by winning the Advertiser of the Year award at the 2019 AdSphere™ Awards for its strong brands and effective marketing campaigns. As of August 2026, Emson remains a family-owned and operated organization, actively launching new products like the RoboSeal Jar Sealer and Gotham Steel Gold cookware, as seen on its 'Emson Direct' online store. The company's patent information page was last updated on May 26, 2026, indicating ongoing product development and protection of its intellectual property. Emson continues to engage with customers, addressing inquiries and complaints, as evidenced by a BBB complaint response in August 2026.