Medical aesthetic products. US court dismisses patent infringement suit against L’Oréal

THE WHAT? A District of Columbia federal court has thrown out a case bought by GlycoBioSciences charging L’Oréal with patent infringement, citing a lack of jurisdiction, according to a report published by Law Street Media.

THE DETAILS The Canadian cosmetics and pharmaceutical company claimed that L’Oréal SA infringed its US patents for a specific gel and polymer matrix.

THE WHY? The case was dismissed over a lack of jurisdiction with Judge Beryl Howell ruling that the French beauty giant does not have sufficient contacts within the US as it is distinct from its US subsidiary, which has its own licensing and distribution agreements. The court did not comment on whether the French beauty giant did or did not infringe the patents in question or not.

Medical aesthetic products refer to a category of products used in the field of medical aesthetics, which combines medical practices with cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of individuals. These products are typically used under the supervision of trained medical professionals such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or specialized nurses. They are distinct from over-the-counter cosmetics in that they often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients or require medical expertise for their application.

Examples of medical aesthetic products include:

• Dermal Fillers: Injectable substances used to restore volume, fill wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. These may include hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm or collagen-stimulating fillers like Sculptra.

• Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injectable neurotoxins used to temporarily paralyze facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by facial expressions.

• Chemical Peels: Solutions containing chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid, used to improve skin texture, treat acne scars, and reduce hyperpigmentation.

• Laser and Light Devices: Equipment used for various skin treatments, including hair removal, skin resurfacing, tattoo removal, and treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions.

• Prescription Skincare Products: Formulations containing active ingredients such as retinoids (e.g., tretinoin), hydroquinone, or prescription-strength antioxidants, designed to address specific dermatological concerns under medical supervision.

• Microneedling Devices: Devices that create tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and elasticity.

• Cosmeceuticals: High-quality skincare products that bridge the gap between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, often containing biologically active ingredients with proven efficacy.