FujiFilm sues Butterfly Network over ultrasound patents

A subsidiary of Tokyo-based FujiFilm has announced that it has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against ultrasound machine maker Butterfly Network.

Seattle-based FujiFilm Sonosite, lodged the complaint at the US District Court for the District of Delaware on Wednesday March 9, according to a statement.

The company has asserted seven patents (US patent numbers: 7,169,108; 7,867,168; 8,128,050; 8,861,822; 9,538,985; 6,901,157; and 8,360,981) relating to fundamental technologies for acquiring ultrasound images at the point of care with portable handheld systems.

"FujiFilm Sonosite is committed to protecting its significant investments in resources and research and development, and in bringing novel technologies to clinicians for the ultimate benefit of improved patient care," said Rich Fabian, president and COO, FujiFilm Sonosite.

"We will enforce and protect our IP rights in the US and around the world when we believe others infringe on it unfairly."

The patents cover various aspects of point of care ultrasound solutions, including the use of a probe coupled to a mobile device, elements of the graphical interface, as well as aspects related to the processing and display of ultrasound images.

FujiFilm is seeking remedies including damages related to Butterfly Network's infringement through its unauthorised use, manufacture, marketing, promotion and sale of Butterfly Network's IQ/IQ+ Pocus products.

For the year ended March 31, 2021, the company had global revenues of $21 billion, at an exchange rate of 106 yen to the dollar.

Connecticut-based Butterfly Network created the “world’s first handheld whole-body imager”, according to its website.

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