Home Health Quarterly: Companies in the News: ResMed claims mask maker infringed patent
ResMed Inc. of San Diego has filed a lawsuit in U.S. federal district court against Fisher & Paykel Healthcare for infringing ResMed’s patented mask technology. ResMed manufactures medical equipment for diagnosing and treating sleep-disordered breathing, and sells its products in more than 60 countries. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, one of New Zealand’s top-10 listed companies, makes similar products.
The ResMed complaint not only alleges that ACLAIM and ACLAIM 2 masks from Fisher & Paykel infringed its patents and copied proprietary technology, but claims trade dress and common law violations regarding the products’ appearance. "We are prepared to protect our investment. We will not tolerate the copying of our products by competitors," Peter Farrell, ResMed CEO, said in a press release.
Fisher & Paykel said ResMed’s claim is without merit and promised to "vigorously" defend itself if the suit proceeds. However, the company said it would like to resolve the dispute without unnecessary litigation.
Option Care acquires infusion pharmacy co.
Option Care of Buffalo Grove, IL, has acquired the home-infusion pharmacy of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, based in Minneapolis. The infusion pharmacy serves about 1,500 patients in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The acquisition is expected to generate $17 million in annual revenue for Option Care and to add 7 cents per share in 2003.
"Allina is our fourth such acquisition over the last 18 months," says Raj Rai, Option Care’s president and CEO. "We will gain access to a premier health system with 15 hospitals and many new managed care relationships."
Option Care provides pharmacy and related services to patients at home or at alternate-site settings on behalf of managed care organizations and other third-party payers through a nationwide network of 133 owned and franchised pharmacy locations.
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