Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) provider FujiFilm Sonosite announces that it has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Butterfly Network in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.
FujiFilm has asserted seven patents (U.S. Patent Nos. 7,169,108; 7,867,168; 8,128,050; 8,861,822; 9,538,985; 6,901,157; and 8,360,981) pertaining to fundamental technologies for acquiring ultrasound images at the point of care with portable handheld systems. The patents cover various aspects of POCUS technology, including the use of a probe coupled to a mobile device, elements of the graphical interface, as well as aspects related to the processing and display of ultrasound images.
FujiFilm Sonosite officials say the company is seeking remedies including damages related to Butterfly Network’s infringement through its unauthorized use, manufacture, marketing, promotion, and sale of Butterfly Network’s IQ/IQ+ POCUS products.
“FujiFilm Sonosite is committed to protecting its significant investments in resources and R&D, and in bringing novel technologies to clinicians for the ultimate benefit of improved patient care,” says Rich Fabian, president and COO, FujiFilm Sonosite, Inc. “We will enforce and protect our intellectual property rights in the United States and around the world when we believe others infringe on it unfairly.”