The EPO published patent application EP4523663A1 for IMEDICOM Co., Ltd. describing an apparatus for separating an acetabular cup during artificial hip joint surgery. The device falls under IPC classifications A61F 2/46 and A61F 2/34. The patent designates all 44 EPC contracting states including Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, and other EU/non-EU European countries.\n\nMedical device manufacturers developing hip replacement instruments should review the patent claims to assess potential licensing needs or design-around opportunities. Healthcare providers using acetabular cup separators may want to verify supply chain implications. No compliance deadlines apply to patent publications; the March 25, 2026 date reflects the publication date only.