UK court finds Smith & Nephew's Renasys EZ and Go products infringe KCI patents

Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (NYSE: KCI) today announced that the High Court of Justice Chancery Division, Patents Court in the United Kingdom has found that Smith & Nephew plc's Renasys EZ and Go products (NYSE: SNN) infringe two KCI patents relating to negative pressure wound therapy.

“These patents, and many others that are exclusively owned by KCI, prevent others from duplicating our industry-leading V.A.C.® Therapy System”

More specifically, the Court found that sales of SNN's Renasys Go pumps and canisters infringe a claim of EP No. 777504 and sales of the Renasys EZ canisters infringe claims of EP No. 853950. The Court further ruled that the KCI claims at issue in both patents are valid. A ruling on the form of the injunction and other matters is expected in the coming weeks.

"These patents, and many others that are exclusively owned by KCI, prevent others from duplicating our industry-leading V.A.C.® Therapy System," said Catherine Burzik, KCI president and CEO. "The people of KCI are proud to serve the medical community and patients in the UK, and we look forward to adding to our negative pressure platform exciting, new products that make healing possible."

KCI continues to offer innovative technologies around the globe, including the Prevena™ Incision Management System, and later this year plans to introduce additional products, such as the V.A.C. Via™ Therapy System, a single-patient-use solution for NPWT that will bring to the marketplace an extremely light, mobile and intuitive technology.

KCI's Negative Pressure Wound Therapy solutions are offered through the company's Active Healing Solutions™ unit, which continues to expand its Negative Pressure Technology Platform in new global markets around the world.