GE files lawsuit against SonoSite

Earlier this year it was SonoSite and Zonare preparing to battle in court over ultrasound patents. Last week GE opened a new front, alleging SonoSite infringement of five GE patents.

In response to inquiries, SonoSite representative Anne Bugge referred DI SCAN to the company's 8K filing, which notes that the company is "currently analyzing the validity of (GE's) allegations." GE representative Brian McKaig confirmed that a lawsuit was filed in Madison, WI, at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, but refused further comment.

DI SCAN obtained a copy of the complaint, which alleges infringement specifically by two SonoSite products, the MicroMaxx and Titan handcarried ultrasound systems. GE is asking for monetary damages and a permanent injunction against the further manufacture, use, or sale of the products.

Specifically, GE claims infringement of two patents addressing the display of blood-flow images, one issued in 1990, the other in 1996; two patents addressing wireless data transmission, one issued in 2000, the other in 2001; and a fifth patent for "feature configuration in remotely located ultrasound imaging device."