Smith & Nephew claims another win in patent spat with Arthrex

October 27, 2014 by Brad Perriello

Smith & Nephew today claimed another win in an ongoing patent infringement war with Arthrex, saying the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office affirmed the validity of 1 of its patents.

Last year a federal judge barred Arthrex from selling some of its suture anchors in the U.S. until the expiration of U.S Patent 5601557, for “Anchoring and manipulating tissue.” Read more

Biomet inks $6m deal to settle kickback charges

October 29, 2014 by Brad Perriello

Biomet paid nearly $6.1 million to settle federal charges that it paid kickbacks to doctors to induce them to use bone growth stimulators sold by its EBI subsidiary, the U.S. Justice Dept. said today.

The settlement also covers allegations that Biomet billed federal healthcare programs for refurbished stimulators, according to a press release. Read more

Insurer owes Stryker $8m for Duracon Uni-Knee settlements

October 31, 2014 by Brad Perriello

Stryker can recoup from an insurer the $7.6 million it paid out to cover settlements in product liability lawsuits over its Duracon Uni-Knee implants, a federal judge ruled yesterday.

Stryker acquired the Duracon Uni-Knee with its $1.9 billion buyout of Howmedica from Pfizer in 1998. Stryker ended up paying out $7.62 million to settle the liability suits after problems with the implant surfaced, suing XL Insurance America and TIG Insurance Co. to cover its losses. Read more