Nobel Biocare files complaint requesting the U.S. International Trade Commission investigate allegations of unfair trade practices by Neodent

ZURICH, 25-9-2014 — /EuropaWire/ —  Two subsidiaries of Nobel Biocare, a leader in the field of innovative implant-based dental restorations, filed a complaint today requesting that the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) investigate allegations of unfair trade practices by Neodent. The complaint alleges that Neodent USA, Inc. and JJGC Indústria e Comércio de Materiais Dentários S/A violate Section 337 of the Tariff Act through their importation and sale of implants that infringe two patents relating to the innovative design of Nobel Biocare’s popular NobelActive® line of dental implants.

In March 2014, Neodent launched its line of “Drive CM” dental implants in the US. Nobel Biocare alleges that these implants, imported from Brazil, infringe two Nobel patents and that Neodent has relied on Nobel Biocare’s history of successful clinical data in marketing the Neodent product. The ITC complaint is based on the same patents and Neodent products that are the subject of Nobel Biocare’s patent infringement lawsuit against Neodent, filed in August 2014. The ITC complaint seeks an additional remedy, namely an order banning imports of infringing dental implants that would be enforced by U.S. Customs & Border Protection.

The NobelActive® line has grown to become one of the world’s most popular dental implants, supported by Nobel Biocare’s commitment to R&D spending, extensive clinical studies and training programs for clinicians. Both asserted US patents relate to technology for aiding the surgical installation and successful integration of the implants in a variety of patient indications. Nobel Biocare has asked the ITC to ban the importation and sale of Neodent’s infringing implants in the United States.

Richard Laube, Nobel Biocare’s CEO, commented that: “We have asked the International Trade Commission to ban the importation and sale of Neodent implants that infringe Nobel Biocare’s valuable intellectual property rights. Nobel Biocare has invested significant resources into R&D to support our product offerings, and we believe that others should respect our intellectual property.”

Contact information:
Süha Demokan
Investor & Corporate Relations
Tel: +41 43 211 42 30, +41 79 430 81 46
suha.demokan@nobelbiocare.com

Nobel Biocare (NOBN, SIX Swiss Exchange) is a world leader in the field of innovative implant-based dental restorations. The company’s portfolio offers solutions from single tooth to fully edentulous indications with dental implant systems (including key brands NobelActive®, Brånemark System® and NobelReplace®), a comprehensive range of high-precision individualized prosthetics and CAD/CAM systems (NobelProcera®), diagnostics, treatment planning and guided surgery solutions (NobelClinician™ and NobelGuide®) and biomaterials (Creos™). Nobel Biocare supports its customers through all phases of professional development, offering world-class training and education along with practice support and patient information materials. The company is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, currently employs approximately 2,500 employees worldwide and recorded revenue of EUR 566.8 million in 2013. Production takes place at seven sites located in Canada, Israel, Japan, Sweden, and the United States. Products and services are available in over 80 countries through subsidiaries and distributors.

Disclaimer
This media release contains forward-looking statements based on beliefs of Nobel Biocare’s management. When used in this media release, words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan” and “project” are intended to identify forward-looking statements. They may involve risks and uncertainties, including technological advances in the medical field, product demand and market acceptance, the effect of economic conditions, the impact of competitive products and pricing, foreign currency exchange rates and other risks. These forward-looking statements reflect the views of Nobel Biocare as of the date made with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. All of these forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by management of the company and are believed to be reasonable, though are inherently uncertain and difficult to predict. Actual results or experience could differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Nobel Biocare disclaims any intention or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

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