IP-2024-000024 - [2025] EWHC 492 (IPEC)

European Patent No. 3 760 143 B1 (‘the Patent’) claims a device for removing stone fragments from a patient. Towards the start of the Patent it indicates the main purpose of the invention: ‘Kidney stones and gallstones have plagued mankind for ages’.

The Patent concerns an advance in the technique of endoscopic lithotripsy. Lithotripsy is the application of energy to break a kidney stone or gallstone into fragments. The device claimed uses suction to draw out the fragments, the suction being applied via a sheath which has been inserted into the urinary tract to reach the stone.

The Patent is owned by the claimant (‘Well Lead’). The defendant (‘CJ Medical’) is alleged to have infringed by marketing its products. CJ Medical denies infringement and says that the Patent is invalid.

Richard Davis KC and Nick Zweck appeared for Well Lead, Guy Tritton and Laura Adde for CJ Medical.