Endobotics Hits FlexDex With Patent Suit Over Surgical Devices

Endobotics LLC sued Michigan-based FlexDex Inc., alleging the rival medical-equipment maker infringed three of its patents by creating and selling laparoscopic surgical instruments.

FlexDex’s AXIUS needle driver product line incorporates aspects similar to Endobotics’ US Patent Nos. 7,147,650; 7,338,513; and 7,364,582, which deal with surgical instruments, according to a complaint filed Tuesday in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. The line’s products have an elongated shaft, control handle, and bendable coupling component New York-based Endobotics said are covered under claims of its patents, the filing said.

• The AXIUS products help surgeons perform minimally ...