Medtronic's big win over NuVasive (MassDevice)
Medtronic scored a big win yesterday in its patent war with NuVasive Inc., after a California jury awards it $101.2 million in damages over spinal implant technology; NuVasive, which won a $660,000 award for Medtronic's infringement of one of its patents, vows to fight the decision.
A federal jury in San Diego issued a split verdict in a patent infringement lawsuit yesterday between Medtronic Inc. (NYSE:MDT) and NuVasive Inc. (NSDQ:NUVA), awarding $101.2 million to Medtronic and $660,000 to its smaller rival.
The case dates back to 2008, when a group of Medtronic subsidiaries sued NuVasive, accusing the San Diego-based company of infringing 9 patents relating to spinal implants. NuVasive in turn accused Medtronic of trespassing on three of its patents.
The companies' reactions to the decision fell along predictable lines, with Medtronic expressing its pleasure and NuVasive vowing to fight on.
"We are pleased by the jury’s verdict," Medtronic Spinal president Doug King said in prepared remarks. "The decision confirms our leadership in spinal implant technology, and we remain committed to vigorously defending our intel...
