CoorsTek Wins Landmark EU Court Battle for Pink Hip Implants

In a landmark legal victory, CoorsTek Bioceramics has solidified its position in the European medical device market after the French Supreme Court ruled in its favor against competitor CeramTec GmbH. The court upheld the cancellation of three CeramTec trademarks for pink ceramic hip components, determining that CeramTec had filed these trademarks in bad faith, knowing the pink color served functional purposes beyond mere brand identification. This decision follows a similar outcome in the United States, where the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the case, effectively ending CeramTec's trademark claims there. These rulings collectively establish CoorsTek's right to market and sell its distinctive pink ceramic hip components across major Western markets, removing significant legal barriers that had previously constrained its operations.

The legal battle centered around trademark rights to the color pink for ceramic hip implants, with CeramTec attempting to claim exclusive rights to this coloration. However, courts on both sides of the Atlantic determined that CeramTec's trademark filings were made in bad faith, recognizing that the pink color in ceramic components serves practical purposes in medical applications rather than functioning solely as a brand indicator. This legal clarity paves the way for increased market access for CoorsTek's Permallon orthopaedic hip components throughout the European Union, potentially expanding treatment options for patients requiring hip replacements. For those interested in the complete details of this significant development, they can click here to access the full announcement with additional resources.

CoorsTek Bioceramics, a subsidiary of the century-old CoorsTek corporation, specializes in manufacturing technical ceramic implant components for various medical applications, including orthopaedic, neurological, cardiological, spinal, and radiation treatments. With over six million components sold since 2005 and backed by more than 110 years of technical ceramics expertise, the company leverages advanced materials science to create innovative medical solutions. CoorsTek's capabilities extend beyond medical applications into semiconductor, aerospace, energy, and other industries, utilizing over 400 proprietary material formulations to address complex engineering challenges across multiple sectors.