Lasers & Sources

VISX sues Schwind over patents

Oct. 1, 1995

Just three weeks after a German court determined that excimer-laser systems manufactured by Herbert Schwind GmbH and Chiron Technolas infringe a basic patent owned by Summit Technology, Schwind was named in another German lawsuit—this time by VISX Inc.

LFW Staff

Just three weeks after a German court determined that excimer-laser systems manufactured by Herbert Schwind GmbH (Kleinostheim, Germany) and Chiron Technolas (Munich) infringe a basic patent owned by Summit Technology (Waltham, MA), Schwind was named in another German lawsuit—this time by VISX Inc. (Santa Clara, CA). "Several patents are involved, all relative to our proprietary apparatus," a VISX spokesperson stated. VISX`s patent portfolio covers core technology used in the application of excimer lasers for vision correction. Schwind manufactures the Keratom 116 ophthalmic excimer-laser system, distributed in most countries by Coherent Inc. (Palo Alto, CA). Chiron manufactures and distributes the Keracor 116. "We are not trying to put people out of business," said the VISX spokesperson. "We just want to let them know we have invested $50 million to $60 million in this technology."

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LFW Staff

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