SeboTek Group Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit

SeboTek Group Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Oticon, Phonak, Interton, GN-Resound, and Vivatone for Speaker-in-the-Canal Technology

Editor: I've been wondering when we'd see some lawsuits related to all the new open-fit hearing aids. When all the manufacturers come out with new products that are revolutionary, but similar, it seems that there would have to be disputes about who came up with what and when. Here's a press release about a SeobTek lawsuit against several hearing aid manufacturers.

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TULSA, OK (Apr. 17, 2007) - SeboTek Hearing Systems LLC ("SeboTek") announced today that suit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, against Oticon, Phonak, Interton, GN-Resound and Vivatone for infringement of patented speaker-in-the-canal designs and technology used in the SeboTek PAC(tm) digital hearing instrument.

The suit was filed against Oticon, Inc.; William Demant Holding A/S; Phonak, Inc.; Phonak LLC; Phonak AG; Phonak Holding AG; American Hearing Systems, Inc. d/b/a Interton USA; Interton, Inc.; Interton Horgerate GmbH; GN Hearing Care Corporation; GN Store Nord A/S; and Vivatone Hearing Systems, LLC.

The suit alleges that the named defendants have infringed one or more of the following patents issued by the United States Patent Office: U.S. Patent Nos. 5,606,621; 7,139,404; 7,016,512; and 7,110,562. The suit seeks damages and an injunction against the manufacture and distribution of instruments that infringe the patents in question. The international law firm of Fulbright & Jaworski, LLP and leading Tulsa, Oklahoma firm, Pray, Walker, Jackman, Williamson & Marlar represent the plaintiffs.

"We designed, developed and introduced a very unique concept to the hearing aid industry," said SeboTek President, Jim Feeley. "Ultimately, the goal in creation of the PAC was to create a hearing system that would change the traditional fitting process and improve the overall consumer experience."

The PAC-style devices are accounted for by the Hearing Industry Association ("HIA") in the behind-the-ear ("BTE") category because the PAC-style includes a BTE component and a speaker-in-the-canal component. Since the launch of the SeboTek PAC in 2003, HIA has reported a tremendous surge in sales of BTE devices. In 2006 these devices comprised nearly 50% of the United States market, compared to only 22% in 2003.

"There is no question that PAC-style hearing instruments have gained wide-spread acceptance," said Feeley. "And while it is unfortunate that we have had to file this suit, we take matters such as these very seriously, and will not hesitate to pursue all appropriate legal channels to protect our rights."

SeboTek's products are protected by U.S. Patents 5,606,621; D501,255; 7,139,404; 7,016,512; 7,110,562; D529,612; plus foreign patents and other patents pending.

About SeboTek Hearing Systems LLC.