Ottobock controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2023
Patent-infringement lawsuit over cranial helmets
Cranial Technologies filed a patent-infringement action against Ottobock and Active Life concerning an alleged unauthorized 3D-printing process for infant cranial-helmet components.
2020
Russian antimonopoly fine
A Russian Ottobock subsidiary was fined over suspected cartel behavior in state prosthetics tenders. Authorities alleged that the conduct gave Ottobock and other parties an improper position in procurement valued at 168.1 million Russian rubles.
2019
U.S. competition-law dispute over Freedom Innovations
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission challenged Ottobock's acquisition of Freedom Innovations on competition grounds. Ottobock sold the business and related assets in 2019; the divestiture was reported as causing a substantial financial impact.
2016
Bosnian public-health funding controversy
An investigation reported that Ottobock was implicated in a controversy involving the misuse of public health funds in Bosnia and alleged pressure on prosthetic users to obtain its products. The company was subsequently banned from operating in parts of the country.
1933
National Socialist affiliations and forced labor
Otto Bock joined the NSDAP and was a supporting member of the SS. During the Second World War, the company used forced labor, including Russian women in production-related work. These facts form a documented and controversial part of the company's historical record.
Criticism over continued Russian operations
Ottobock has faced criticism for continuing operations in Russia, including manufacturing activity in Tolyatti, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.