Premier Laser Accused of Patent Infringement

BioLase Technology Inc. of San Clemente, Calif., announced that it has filed suit against troubled Premier Laser Systems Inc. of Irvine, Calif. BioLase charges that Premier's products that use lasers with water for dental applications infringe on its HydroKinetic surgical laser systems. The company also claims that it holds prior art that could invalidate Premier's patents on laser systems for dental hard-tissue applications.

The news followed the layoff of two-thirds of the work force at Premier and its filing for protection and reorganization under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code.