Fujifilm Sonosite announced today that it filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Butterfly Network (NYSE:BFLY).
Bothell, Washington–based Fujifilm Sonosite filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, asserting 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 asserted by Fujifilm Sonosite cover several aspects of point of care ultrasound solutions, including using a probe coupled to a mobile device, elements of the graphical interface and other features related to the processing and display of ultrasound images, according to a news release.
Fujifilm Sonosite said it seeks remedies, including damages related to the alleged infringement described as Butterfly Network’s use, manufacturing, marketing, promotion and sale of its IQ/IQ+ point of care ultrasound 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,” Fujifilm Sonosite President and COO Rich Fabian said in the release. “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.”
A Butterfly Network spokesperson shared the following statement regarding the patent infringement lawsuit filed by Fujifilm Sonosite:
“While we do not actively comment on litigation, intellectual property is one of our core strengths and has been since Butterfly’s founding. We are proud to have a robust patent portfolio with over 800 patents issued and pending. We are aware of the lawsuit and are prepared to defend against any claims.”
