Pacific Bioscience Laboratories, Inc.—marketer of the Clarisonic Skin Care System products–and Pretika Corporation settled a lawsuit which included patent infringement claims and invalidity counterclaims around sonic skin care products. In the settlement agreement, Pretika agreed to redesign certain models sold in the United States. Other terms of the settlement agreement remain confidential. In the settlement, Pretika acknowledged the validity of PBL’s patent U.S. Patent 7,320,691, entitled “Apparatus and Method for Acoustical/Mechanical Treatment of Early Stage Acne”. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office closed its reexamination of the ‘691 patent in July, confirming the original 52 claims and declaring an additional 12 claims sought by PBL as patentable.

According to Pacific Bioscience Laboratories, these patents are important to Clarisonic’s success and reflect eight years invested in research and development. “We’ve worked hard to develop new breakthrough technology,” said David Giuliani, CEO, Pacific Bioscience Laboratories, Inc. “As a company established by a team of scientists and engineers, we understand the paramount importance of establishing and protecting our intellectual property.”

In December 2011, Clarisonic was acquired by L’Oreal USA, and is housed in the portfolio of brands in the L’Oreal Luxury Product Division. Clarisonic is distributed through dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons, spas and prestige retailers such as Sephora, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Ulta, Beauty.com and SkinStore.com.