Medical devices maker ResMed (NYSE:RMD) is on the prowl, keeping an eye out for potential infringement of its portfolio of respiratory and sleep-disordered breathing devices.
The San Diego-based company announced today that it had filed a lawsuit against Chinese medical device manufacturer BMC Medical Co. and its U.S. sales counterpart 3B Products for alleged infringement of patents pertaining to CPAP devices, a nasal mask and a nasal pillow interface.
"ResMed has built its unique market differentiation by investing in superior technology and medical science-driven innovation for sleep-disordered breathing therapy," ResMed chief administrative officer and global general counsel David Pendarvis said in prepared remarks. "We will continue to defend our proprietary technology by enforcing our patents."
ResMed has also requested that BMC be added to an existing International Trade Commission lawsuit against Taiwan-based APEX, hoping to bar U.S. imports of products from those companies.
The products under legal review include BMC’s RESmart CPAP and RESmart Auto CPAP devices as well as the Willows nasal pillows patient interface and the iVolve nasal mask.
The lawsuits come just weeks after ResMed changed hands from founder and former CEO Dr. Peter Farrell to his son Michael "Mick" Farrell, a transition that took effect at the start of March.
RMD shares were down 1.2% to $46.98 as of about 11:40 a.m. today.