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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
NOBEL BIOCARE PREVAILS IN DENTAL IMPLANT PATENT DISPUTE
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA March 2004, Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear successfully defended its client, Nobel Biocare, USA, Inc. in a patent infringement dispute with Zimmer, Inc. regarding dental implants. Zimmer recently acquired Centerpulse Dental and the rights to its frequently litigated patent, which named Dr. Gerald Niznick as the inventor.
Nobel Biocare is the world's leading manufacturer of dental implants, which are surgically implanted in the jaw to support prosthetic teeth and dental bridges. Two of its popular product lines were accused of infringement. At risk was an injunction preventing future sales by Nobel Biocare, as well as damages for past sales, which the inventor Dr. Niznick claimed would amount to $100 million.
Due to its unique product design, Nobel Biocare chose to litigate the case through trial to a binding, final judgment by an arbitration panel. The patent reportedly had been previously enforced against over a dozen companies in the dental implant industry, resulting in settlements and payments of millions of dollars in royalties to the patent owner.
Nobel Biocare's attorney, John B. Sganga, Jr., a partner with Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear, stated, "We are very pleased with the decision that Nobel Biocare does not infringe. It certainly paid off for Nobel Biocare to try the case, as they are now the only implant company ever to obtain a favorable judgment on Dr. Niznick's patent."
Instead of owing damages, Nobel Biocare is now entitled to receive an award of their attorney fees and expenses incurred in defending the case over the past four years.
With over 160 lawyers, Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear, LLP counsels clients in all areas of intellectual property, including: intellectual property litigation; patent, trademark and copyright prosecution; licensing; trade secrets; unfair competition; and rights of publicity. Founded in 1962, the firm is one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the United States that serves clients around the globe in all areas of intellectual property law. Clients include public and private companies at various stages of growth, from start-up to Fortune 500. Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear has six offices throughout California. More information about Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear can be found at www.kmob.com. Information about Nobel Biocare can be found at www.nobelbiocare.com.
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