Invacare alleges patent violation of its adjustable-height beds

The U.S. International Trade Commission has announced it is instituting an investigation of Medical Depot Inc. (doing business as Drive Medical Design and Manufacturing, of Port Washington, N.Y.) and Shanghai Shunlong Physical Therapy Equipment Co. Ltd. of China, regarding alleged patent infringement of certain adjustable-height beds and components for the beds. The beds are used in home health care.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Invacare Corporation of Elyria, Ohio. Invacare's complaint alleges violations of the Tariff Act of 1930, in that the beds and components infringe Invacare patents. Invacare is asking that ITC issue an exclusion order and cease-and-desist orders.