Texas jury returns binding verdict of invalidity on two Covidien's patent claims covering trocar seal technology

Applied Medical announced today that a United States District Court jury for the Eastern District of Texas returned a binding verdict of invalidity of two claims of a Covidien patent covering trocar seal technology.

Applied Medical also noted that the jury found Claim 6 of U.S. Patent No. 5,895,377 to be infringed by Applied Medical's older generation Kii™ and Universal® access systems.  Applied Medical has progressed to a newer generation of Kii and Universal access systems. Moreover, Applied Medical believes the jury findings of infringement of the prior generation devices are contrary to the facts presented at trial.  Applied Medical will continue to pursue post-trial motions seeking to overturn the infringement verdict.

"While we are pleased with the invalidity findings, we are disappointed that the jury returned an infringement verdict of '377 patent despite the evidence presented at trial.  We maintain an unyielding belief that we have not infringed any valid U.S. patents," said Applied Medical's Surgical Group President, Gary Johnson.

SOURCE Applied Medical