European Patent Office affirms validity of EuroMed's patent for Wrinkle-Resistant Wound dressings

Feb 12 2010

EuroMed Inc. and Jentec Inc. today announced an important victory affirming the validity of a key patent, European patent number 1020198 (U.S. corresponding patent number 6878385) for Wrinkle-Resistant Wound dressings. In a ruling issued by the European Patent Office in Berlin, Germany, both of the grounds for opposition raised by the plaintiff, a prominent wound care manufacturer (i.e., extension of subject-matter, lack of ‘inventive step’ or sufficient originality) were not adequate cause to challenge the patent. EuroMed is a leading designer and manufacturer of wound care management products, and one of a select few custom hydrocolloid manufacturers providing comprehensive private labeling services.

“there is a continued risk of exposure to lower manufacturing standards, and EuroMed is committed to its fight against such encroachment for the sake of our customers. Our patents are important business tools and we intend to vigorously enforce them.”

According to Robert Jensen, a senior Board member of EuroMed Inc., “This is a significant finding on the part of the European Patent Office because it confirms the legitimacy of our patent and, by extension, the true product value that we offer. This was clearly demonstrated by the chairman of the European Patent Office Opposition Board, who, at the end of the proceedings, announced that the patent will be maintained as granted and that the plaintiff’s opposition is rejected. We are gratified by the board’s finding because our intellectual property is valuable not only to us, but to our customers who rely upon EuroMed for its quality products.”

Defending intellectual property is growing in importance given the challenges presented by today’s global marketplace. The battle against the sale of copied products is gaining increased attention on the part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the International Trade Commission (ITC). These three agencies are developing and implementing tools to address the issue. The FDA is focusing on the sale of products that may be contaminated, products that provide an incorrect dosage, or include incorrect ingredients. The USPTO and the ITC are directing efforts to combat the influx of goods that infringe U.S. patents.

“Considering the growing number of copied wound care products entering the market from outside the United States,” Jensen added, “there is a continued risk of exposure to lower manufacturing standards, and EuroMed is committed to its fight against such encroachment for the sake of our customers. Our patents are important business tools and we intend to vigorously enforce them.”