The European Patent Office (EPO) Board of Appeals has issued a formal written decision to uphold European Patent No. EP 1307131 for Verathon's GlideScope video laryngoscopes.
Verathon said that the ruling, issued on 26 July keeps the GlideScope patent in force in several European countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Denmark, Ireland and Italy, and the patent, which does not expire until 2021, also remains valid in several countries outside of Europe.
The GlideScope patent, originally granted in Europe in May 2005, was opposed by Scotland-based maker of the McGrath video laryngoscope, Aircraft Medical, at the EPO in February 2006.
Verathon prevailed at a hearing in October 2007, when the EPO’s opposition division rejected Aircraft Medical’s opposition and upheld the GlideScope patent with amended claims.
The EPO’s formal written decision in July concludes the appeal filed by Aircraft Medical against Verathon’s patent and the previous decision by the Opposition Division upholding the GlideScope patent.
GlideScope video laryngoscopes provide a clear, real-time view of the airway and endotracheal tube placement.
GlideScope instruments, which minimise the need for ‘blind’ intubation procedures, are provided in both single use and reusable configurations, and in a variety of sizes for patients from preterm to morbidly obese.
Headquartered in Bothell, Washington, Verathon operates as a subsidiary of Roper Industries.