Zippo today announced that their free iPhone app, the Virtual Zippo Lighter, has been downloaded over three million times since its release last October, making it one of the most popular and prevalent branded applications in the App Store’s history. The application is averaging about 100,000 new downloads per week.

The Virtual Zippo Lighter, which brings the look and feel of Zippo’s iconic lighter to the iPhone, quickly rose to the Top Three in the App Store’s Top Free Apps list after it was initially released, and has maintained a steady position in the Top 40 over the last five months. Most apps have a shelf life of thirty days in the Top 40, making the Virtual Zippo Lighter’s “triple platinum” longevity even more impressive.

Moderati is quickly becoming synonymous with branded entertainment, both in the U.S. and overseas. The company launched its Digital Entertainment Studio with parent company, Bellrock Media, kicking off digital brand campaigns and projects with Coca-Cola, Toshiba, Ashton Kutcher and Kevin Rose. Moderati also plays a key role in licensing U.S. entertainment content to the Japanese market via Bellrock’s online video service, Myzo.

Virtual Zippo Lighter owners can engrave their virtual lighter case or choose from a selection of designs to customize the design. Future versions will take advantage of the new 3.0 features of the iPhone software, so check back often for updates. Continue to download the Virtual Zippo Lighter on iTunes, or learn more about it at www.moderati.com www.zippo.com