Supervalu, others acquire new automated refill technology

MINNEAPOLIS Supervalu has purchased a non-exclusive license from Robert Katz Technology for use in its Automated Health Care Services portfolio. Supervalu said the agreement gives the company access to technology that will improve a number of areas including automated prescription refills.

“Many of our leading pharmacies such as Acme, bigg’s, Cub, Osco, Sav-On, Shop ‘n Save and Supervalu offer ‘Express Prescription Refill’ or ‘Easyfill’ services over the phone, which utilize many of the inventions in this portfolio of patents,” said Supervalu spokeswoman Haley Meyer. “Customers can, for example, dial in 24 hours a day, enter their prescription number and the last four digits of their phone number in order to quickly request a refill of their prescription This is an important group of patents.” Supervalu affiliates New Albertson’s Inc. and Albertson’s LLC also have access to the new technologies.

Among the other major clients to reach a settlement with Katz are: the Jean Coutu Group, Express Scripts, Safeway and Walgreen Co.