Teledyne Sued Over Toothbrush

Optiva Corp. said Thursday that it has filed a lawsuit against Los Angeles-based Teledyne Industries Inc., alleging that Teledyne infringed on the copyright of Optiva’s sonic toothbrush and seeking at least $1 million in damages. Optiva, a privately held company based in Bellevue, Wash., said it introduced the first toothbrush that cleans teeth by using sonic vibrations in 1992. The product, called Sonicare, creates a foam that penetrates beyond the bristles. In the suit filed last week in U.S. District Court in Seattle, Optiva claims Teledyne’s SenSonic toothbrush uses technology contained in Optiva’s patent. Optiva also claims the Teledyne unit misappropriated trade secrets gained when the two companies were discussing a possible joint venture or licensing arrangement. The talks began in 1990 and were terminated in 1992, according to the suit, which also seeks action by the court to stop Teledyne from selling the toothbrush. Teledyne makes industrial and electronics equipment, aviation engines, machine tools and consumer products.

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