Fractional light-based technology licensing
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
Palomar Medical Technologies and Reliant Technologies form Fractional Technology Open Patent Program to out-license intellectual property and encourage further development of fractional light-based products by others in the industry, the firms announce Nov. 11. The initiative includes six fractional patent families owned or controlled by Palomar, Reliant and Massachusetts General Hospital. Palomar and Reliant note that they also have entered into certain cross-license agreements. Fractional technology is used in dermatology procedures to deliver laser or high-powered light energy to the skin in a pattern that leaves untreated areas between the treated areas. Reliant's pending merger with aesthetic device maker Thermage is set to close in the fourth quarter (1"The Gray Sheet" July 14, 2008, p. 11)