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. ...