Erbe Seeks to Block U.S. Imports of Olympus Surgical Devices

Erbe Elektromedizin claims Olympus devices infringe five patents for argon plasma coagulation probes, used during endoscopic procedures, according to complaint filed with U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington.

• Dispute is over probes that can target tissue in electrosurgery, which uses high frequency current
• Olympus entered the market last year with its ESG-300 system with accessories that are “almost identical” to market-leader Erbe’s products, according to the complaint
• Erbe seeks an order that would block imports of the Olympus probes and components, which are made in Germany and the U.K.
• Patents relate to the connectors and design of the probe
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