Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, the world leader in the science of heart valves, announced that the District Court of Düsseldorf, Germany, today determined that it does not infringe on Cook Inc.’s German transcatheter valve patent.
“We are very pleased with this first infringement decision and believe our invalidity case is even stronger,” said Larry L. Wood, Edwards’ corporate vice president, transcatheter valve replacement. “Edwards has invested substantially to assemble what we believe is the strongest and most comprehensive intellectual property portfolio in transcatheter heart valves, and we are committed to protecting our interests.”
A counter-suit by Edwards claiming invalidity of Cook’s German patent is expected to be heard in Munich in 2010. Edwards has a separate lawsuit against Cook in the United Kingdom that challenges the validity of Cook’s UK transcatheter valve patent. Cook has counter-sued there, claiming infringement. That case is scheduled to be heard in May.
Source: Edwards Lifesciences
published: March 19, 2009 in: Cardio, Companies, Products, Regulatory, Specialty