Medtronic Spent More Than $1.2M Lobbying In 1Q

WASHINGTON (AP) — Medtronic Inc., the world's largest medical device maker, spent more than $1.2 million lobbying Congress in the first quarter, according to a recent disclosure report.

The Minneapolis-based company lobbied lawmakers on a bill aimed at updating the U.S. patent system. The pharmaceutical and medical device industries have argued that reform efforts must not weaken patent protections on medical products by reducing infringement penalties. The reform effort has largely stalled in Congress.

Medtronic also lobbied on legislation that would increase the regulation of medical devices manufactured in foreign countries by charging additional user fees for FDA inspections, according to a form filed April 20 with the House clerk's office. ...