Biolase Sues Premier Over Lasers, Patents

Charging patent infringement, Biolase Technology Inc. of San Clemente has filed a lawsuit against Premier Laser Systems Inc., adding to the woes of the struggling Irvine-based maker of dental and vision lasers.

Biolase alleged that several of Premier Laser’s products using lasers with water for dental procedures infringe on one or more of Biolase’s patents.

Premier Chief Executive Michael J. Quinn said the suit had no merit and that its sole purpose was to compound Premier’s difficulties.

Premier, once the darling of Wall Street for pioneering a laser for the painless treatment of tooth decay, is on the verge of bankruptcy. The company has furloughed all but nine of its workers and has less than $200,000 in cash.

Quinn said Premier’s lawyer had spoken to Biolase officials about buying some of Premier’s dental laser technology just days before filing the suit.

Biolase makes and sells surgical and other medical products.