Fischer Imaging Accuses Hologic of Infringement

DENVER, Dec. 14 -- Fischer Imaging Corp., maker of digital mammography and medical imaging systems, announced that it has filed a patent infringement suit against Hologic Inc. and its distributors in France and Germany, for the alleged infringement of European patent 0 625 024, issued to Fischer Imaging in August 2000. The patent relates to key features used in prone, stereotactic breast biopsy systems.

Karsten Iversen, vice president of international operations for Fischer, said, "We believe our intellectual property is being infringed. In contrast to US patent litigation, the European courts move relatively promptly to adjudicate patent issues. We expect the courts will reach a decision on these cases before the end of next year." Iversen added, "While the US market has over 2500 installed prone stereotactic biopsy systems, the European market, which is as large as the US market, is only in the early stages of adoption of prone stereotactic biopsy systems. Since Fischer Imaging has pioneered this market in Europe with more than 100 installed Mammotest Stereotactic breast biopsy systems in 13 countries, we are anxious to deal with intellectual property issues as soon as possible."

The suits request the courts to determine damages for the sale of infringing products by Hologic/Lorad and distributors of Lorad. In addition, the courts have been requested to issue an injunction preventing the further sale of infringing products in France and Germany.

As reported on Nov. 13, Fischer Imaging has also filed suit in the US District Court of Massachusetts against Hologic Inc., for willful infringement of US Patent No. 5,735,264.