The field of health tech is facing a big question: Can it establish strong patent protections akin to those enjoyed by drug companies — or will it become more like the broader technology industry, where patent claims are generally harder to enforce?
As the digital health industry grows, one of its most pressing challenges is finding the right balance between intellectual property protections and supporting competition in ways that would lead to more effective products and better outcomes for patients.
The latest skirmish over property rights involves accusations by Teladoc that rival Amwell is infringing on patents tied to several digital devices. If it boils into another lawsuit, the case will be closely watched as a potential precedent following an earlier fight between the companies.
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