ZUIDLAND, Netherlands, March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- An opposition procedure serving at the European Patent Office in Munich for the patent of the successful D.O.R.C. (Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center) product Vision Blue has been decided in favor of D.O.R.C., by stating that the claims of the main request of the patent meet the requirements of the European Patent Convention.
After grant by the Examining Division of the European Patent Office in 2003, the Vision Blue European Vision Blue patent (“Cataract surgery” EP 1 075 285) has been tied up in an opposition procedure, despite the grant of the United States Patent in 2004 (US 6,720,314) and the grant of patents in several other countries throughout the years.
The rejection of the oppositions filed by three different parties by the European Patent Office in Munich on the 15th February 2006, proves the inventiveness and strength of the Vision Blue patent and offers the possibility to fight the sales of copies of the Vision Blue product in Europe, which may be produced under less strict quality standards.
The three opponents may decide to appeal against the decision of the European Patent Office within a period of two months from the date of the written, motivated decision of the Opposition Division. This decision is expected within the next few weeks.
Vision Blue profile
The D.O.R.C. product ‘Vision Blue’ is a contrast fluid, used as an aid by the eye surgeon during cataract surgery. Vision Blue facilitates the visualization of the anterior lens capsule and may prevent an incomplete removal of the anterior lens, radial capsule tears and associated complications.
Vision Blue was introduced in 1999 and is still growing in popularity among cataract surgeons. The product was first available in vial, but since 2003 available in a ready-to-use sterile syringe for optimal dosage. Since 2004 Vision Blue has been approved by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration), the ultimate recognition of our product quality, which is underpinned by validated production processes and stabilization studies.
Company profile
Since the foundation in 1983, D.O.R.C. has developed itself as a market leader in research, development and production of products for eye surgery, especially products for vitreoretinal and cataract surgery. The products are used by eye surgeons worldwide, because of the high quality development and because the products are known for their state-of-the-art design, quality and craftsmanship.
D.O.R.C. has their own research and development department and is receiving a continuous feedback from market developments and market queries regarding high quality eye surgery products, disposable products and electronic equipment.
D.O.R.C. has continuously engaged in worldwide cooperative undertakings with leading surgeons. These cooperations have resulted into the introduction of multiple unique products for the ophthalmic market. The innovation quote of DORC is at a level of 8-10% of the turnover.
DORC exports her products to more than 80 countries worldwide, through an extensive, exclusive distributor network with her own sales offices in Scandinavia, the Netherlands, France and the USA. The DORC companies employ about 140 people.
Website: www.dorc.nl
D.O.R.C. International b.v.
CONTACT: For more information, please contact: H.P. Bronk mba, CEO or I.Timmers, Executive Assistant, D.O.R.C. International b.v., P.O. Box 43,3214 ZG Zuidland, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31-(0)-181-458088, Fax.:+31-(0)-181-458090, E-mail: mailto@dorc.nl. Website: www.dorc.nl. K.M.L.Bijvank - European and Dutch patent attorney, VEREENIGDE, P.O. Box 87930,2508 DH The Hague, The Netherlands, Tel.: +31-(0)-70-4166711, Fax.:+31-(0)-70-4166799
