Abbott, others sued over two patents

LIBERTYVILLE TOWNSHIP -- Roche Holding AG's diagnostics unit sued the diabetes divisions of Abbott Laboratories, Bayer AG and Johnson & Johnson, claiming infringement of two patents related to blood-sugar monitors. Abbott, Bayer, J&J's LifeScan unit and Nova Biomedical Corp. are using Roche's inventions without permission, Roche said in a complaint filed Wednesday in federal court in Wilmington, Del. Roche, based in Basel, Switzerland, is seeking a court order blocking the companies' use of the patented technology and cash compensation for past infringement. Abbott declined comment, and the other companies either declined comment or could not be reached.

Potbelly settles wheelchair case

CHICAGO -- Potbelly Sandwich Works has settled a lawsuit by agreeing to make all of its restaurants accessible to wheelchairs, one of the plaintiffs said Wednesday. The Washington-based Equal Rights Center said it, along with customer Rosemary Ciotti, had filed a lawsuit against the Chicago-based restaurant, claiming wheelchair users could not access ordering stations and tables. Potbelly Sandwich Works did not immediately return a telephone call Wednesday.

Shares of Ford, GM tumble on concerns

DETROIT -- Shares of Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. dropped to below or near their 52-week lows on Wednesday, but GM recovered on news its former financial arm may sell parts of its struggling mortgage business. Several industry analysts said the bump auto stocks received due to new lower-cost labor agreements with the United Auto Workers has been erased in recent weeks by investor concerns about waning consumer confidence and potentially tighter credit.

US Airways Group raises fares by $10

DALLAS -- US Airways Group Inc. raised most fares in the U.S. and Canada by $10 round-trip to help offset fuel prices that have climbed 58 percent this year.