ITC Begins Patent Ban Investigation on Sleep-Disordered Breathing Systems

The International Trade Commission will consider banning imports of sleep-disordered breathing systems that infringe patents held by ResMed, after it voted on Aug. 19 to begin a Section 337 investigation on the product. ResMed requested the investigation, its second of the year, on July 19, alleging infringement by breathing treatment devices from BMC Medical of China and its U.S. affiliates (see 13072308). The allegedly infringing products are used in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea by delivering pressurized air to the user to keep that user’s breathing passages open during sleep, the petition said. ResMed is requesting limited exclusion orders and cease and desist orders. The ITC identified the following as respondents: