Court Reduces Award In Medtronic, J&J Dispute

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Medtronic Inc. said Monday an appeals court lowered the damages the medical device maker must pay a Johnson & Johnson unit in a patent infringement case.

In 2007, Medtronic was ordered to pay Depuy Spine Inc. $226.3 million for violating a patent on a spinal screw.

Medtronic appealed and a Federal Circuit Court eliminated $77.2 million in damages, though it affirmed the patent infringement verdict and an award of $149.1 million for lost profit. The court also eliminated $10.5 million in sanctions and attorneys' fees.

The case concerned the Vertex line of multiaxial screws, which is no longer on the market.

Depuy spokeswoman Lorie Gawreluk said the company is pleased the court continued to uphold the company's patent.