PACS software developer DR Systems may be taking a hard line on a patent it holds for image management techniques that are widely used in the PACS industry. The San Diego company has retained a law firm with intellectual property experience. It has indicated that it intends to enforce its patent, and may license it to other PACS companies.
DR Systems said it was granted a patent in 1995 covering the use of automated hanging protocols and automated workflow for referring physicians. Such techniques are commonly found in image management software as a means of improving the efficiency of PACS operations.
DR Systems has retained the law firm of Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison to represent its interests. In addition, DR Systems may grant an exclusive technology license to the patent to a large international medical imaging vendor, the company said.
In an announcement yesterday, DR Systems made reference to Fonar, the MRI vendor that successfully defended its patent technology and made over $100 million in settlements and judgments from MRI vendors. DR Systems chairman Dr. Murray Reicher was associated with the invention of the multi-angle oblique patent that Fonar defended, the company said.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writersAugust 30, 2001
Copyright © 2001 AuntMinnie.com
