(Feb. 19, 2008) — Starkey Laboratories, Inc. ("Starkey") announced today that they have licensed an international portfolio of patents from Hear-Wear Technologies, LLC, an affiliate of SeboTek Hearing Systems, LLC. The patent license agreement includes United States Patent Nos. 5,606,621; 7,016,512; 7,110,562; and 7,139,404, and will grant Starkey worldwide usage to the Hear-Wear patent portfolio for RIC (receiver in the canal) devices.
According to Jerry Ruzicka, President of Starkey, "SeboTek was clearly innovative with the introduction of their RIC style technology in 2003. Customers are responding favorably to this technology and we expect this strong trend for industry sales growth to continue in the future. We have always respected other company's intellectual property which is why we approached SeboTek about a license prior to launching our future RIC products." The business terms of the license agreement are confidential.
"We are pleased that an industry leader such as Starkey has licensed this Hear-Wear patent portfolio and recognized the commercial success this technology has had in the hearing aid industry in recent years," said Jim Feeley, President of SeboTek and Hear-Wear. SeboTek launched it's receiver in the canal technology to the industry at AAA in April 2003. We were not just introducing a new product but an entirely new style concept said Mr. Feeley. "Ultimately, our goal was to create a hearing system that would change the traditional fitting process and improve the overall consumer experience."
Starkey is a world leader in the design, development and distribution of comprehensive hearing solutions. With 35 facilities in more than 24 countries around the globe, Starkey is an industry leader in hearing instrument manufacturing. Starkey creates top quality diagnostic equipment, hearing protection products, wireless technology and unique hearing solutions for every environment.
Hear-Wear and Sebotek are headquartered in Tulsa Oklahoma. SeboTek is a Wholesale distributor of hearing instruments around the world and an industry leader in RIC technology. SeboTek launched its first RIC style hearing instrument in 2003, and its products continue to gain wide-spread acceptance throughout the U.S. and around the world.
For more information about SeboTek and its products, call 1.800.388.9041. Or you can visit www.sebotek.com for more information or the Sebotek Web Channel on Audiology Online at www.audiologyonline.com/channels/sebotek.asp
