Cochlear, an Australian Biotech Hearing Implant Maker, will fight the University of Pittsburgh’s patent infringement claim that elements of Cochlear’s Nuclear 6 and 7 implant products violated their patents – filed in 2008, for a “wireless energy transfer unit.”
Cochlear implant devices consist of a surgical implant, sound processor, and headpiece coil. The headpiece coil is at the crux of this dispute; it allows the implant to communicate with the sound processor wirelessly.
Cochlear has counter-claimed that the University’s patents are invalid because Cochlear developed and marketed products using the technology by the time the University filed its patent. Further, Cochlear argues that the University’s interpretation improperly attempts to ensnare technology outside the patent’s scope.
This dispute comes after a scientific research foundation brought suit over two expired patents and the Australian biotech was ordered to pay US$268 million in damages. Despite reassuring investors in February that the University’s case did not have merit, it seems the Australian Biotech may be back in Court soon.
Authors: Mark Leonard and Eyitayo Kunle-Oladosu, 2022 Summer Intern
Amendments to the Trademarks Regulations will take effect on April 1, 2025. These changes are part of broader updates to the Trademarks Act, introduced through the Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No…
Heineken’s Lagunitas Brewery has reportedly advanced its trademark and copyright claims over its "La Tropical" beer in a legal battle involving Cuban-origin brands. As reported by Bloomberg, the…
Marvel and DC have reportedly lost their long-held trademarks for “Super Hero”. For decades, the two comic giants jointly owned the trademark, with DC using it for its DC Super Hero Cafe and…
In January 2025, the Trademarks Opposition Board (TMOB) is launching a pilot project in which the Registrar of Trademarks will issue 50–100 section 45 notices per month for randomly selected trademark…
There has been a reported surge in trademark phishing scams. The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (“CIPO”) issued a statement warning of an email phishing scam targeting members of the public by…
A few recent patent applications reveal that the Honda Element may be making its return to the automotive industry: The first patent application is a “camper for a vehicle”. The second…
