U.S. Patent Office Completes Review of Medtronic Patents, Rejects More Axonics Challenges

Medtronic (NYSE:MDT), the global leader in medical technology, today announced that the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has affirmed an additional three patents in a dispute with Axonics over intellectual property for its sacral neuromodulation (SNM) device family, the InterStimâ„¢ systems. Today's decisions complete the review process initiated by Axonics to challenge the validity of the seven total patents involved in the IP infringement case brought by Medtronic. Cumulatively, the PTAB has now affirmed claims in all seven of the Medtronic patents.

The PTAB's latest decisions today affirmed all claims at issue in Medtronic's U.S. Patent Nos. 8,457,758 ('758) and 8,738,148 ('148); and affirmed claims 1-7, 16-18 and 22 of Medtronic's U.S. Patent No. 9,821,112 ('112), while invalidating claims 9-13 and 20. These patents relate to recharging technology. Medtronic is weighing its legal options with regard to the handful of invalidated patent claims in the '112 patent. The '758 patent and the '148 patent expire in April 2025 , the '112 patent expires in April 2024 .

Now that the IPR is complete — including the PTAB's decision in September 2020 to reject without hearing the challenge to Medtronic U.S. patent No. 9,463,324 ('324) — Medtronic will request that the U.S. District Court in the Central District of California lift the stay on the IP infringement case and resume proceedings. The decision on the '324 patent is final and not appealable. The '324 patent expires in April 2024 .

All Medtronic patents affirmed by the PTAB have been in force for every sale Axonics has made to-date.

"Medtronic appreciates the Patent Trial and Appeal Board's efforts in this matter," said Brett Wall , executive vice president and president of the Neuroscience Portfolio at Medtronic. "We are pleased with the outcome of the review process and look forward to our day in court to protect the proprietary technology that brings SNM therapy to patients around the world."

About the IP Infringement Case Against Axonics
Medtronic filed suit against Axonics in November 2019 , asserting claims for infringement of seven patents related to Medtronic's minimally invasive sacral neuromodulation lead placement procedure and implant recharging technologies. In response, Axonics filed Inter Partes Review (IPR) in March 2020 on all seven patents and the litigation was stayed pending the outcome at the PTAB.

In September 2020 , the PTAB rejected without hearing the challenge to Medtronic's U.S. Patent No. 9,463,324 and found that Axonics' arguments lacked merit. That decision by the PTAB is final and not appealable.

Last week, the PTAB affirmed the additional Medtronic U.S. Patent Nos. 8,036,756 and 8,626,314, which protects technology related to its tined leads; and it upheld claim 7 in Medtronic's U.S. Patent No. 7,774,069 ('069 patent), which protects technology related to its recharge power control. The PTAB's decision on the '069 patent also found claims 5, 6, 8 and 9 invalid, while claims 1-4 and 10-13 were not challenged by Axonics. These decisions are subject to appeal, and Medtronic is weighing its legal options in regard to the invalidated claims of the '069 patent.

About Medtronic InterStimâ„¢ Systems
Medtronic has the world's smallest rechargeable bladder/bowel control system and the fastest battery recharge available and is the only company that offers patients the choice of a rechargeable or recharge-free sacral neuromodulation device. With 25-years' experience of innovation, investment and pioneering therapy, Medtronic is the only company with five-year data demonstrating the safety and efficacy of its sacral neuromodulation systems.

About Medtronic
Medtronic plc ( www.medtronic.com ), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland , is among the world's largest medical technology, services and solutions companies – alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 90,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in more than 150 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

Contacts:




Katie Genereux

Ryan Weispfenning

Public Relations

Investor Relations

+1-763-514-0162

+1-763-505-4626

Medtronic plc (PRNewsfoto/Medtronic plc)

Cision View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-patent-office-completes-review-of-medtronic-patents-rejects-more-axonics-challenges-301383253.html

SOURCE Medtronic plc

News Provided by PR Newswire via QuoteMedia

The Conversation (0)

Healing People and Planet: 3 Things You Need to Know About This Shared Innovation Challenge

By Ken Washington, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, and Raman Venkatesh, Chief Sustainability Officer, Medtronic

When you think about healthcare technology, you may imagine the pacemaker assisting your dad's ailing heart, the sutures your child received after a bike accident, or the pulse oximeter placed on your finger during your annual physical exam. You probably don't think about the energy or resources required to manufacture those products, nor the resulting emissions and waste.

News Provided by ACCESSWIRE via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less

Healing People and Planet: New Impact Report Outlines How Medtronic Is Shaping the Future of Health

Medtronic

Medtronic releases 2024 Impact Report highlighting success in healthcare equity with new data from the Healthy Neighbor program, in addition to community engagement and environmental sustainability progress

News Provided by ACCESSWIRE via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less

Artificial Intelligence Reshaping Healthcare Industry with Unimaginable Potential

FN Media Group News Commentary - The Healthcare Artificial Intelligence (AI) market exhibits a high degree of innovation, characterized by ongoing advancements in technology. Rapid developments in ML, deep learning, NLP, and computer vision are driving the evolution of AI-powered healthcare solutions. One primary factor driving market growth is the increasing demand in the healthcare sector for enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and better patient outcomes. According to a March 2024 Microsoft-IDC study, 79% of healthcare organizations are presently utilizing AI technology. In addition, the return on investment (ROI) is realized within 14 months, generating USD 3.20 for every USD 1 invested in artificial intelligence (AI). AI technologies hold transformative potential in various areas including medical imaging analysis, predictive analytics, personalized treatment planning, and drug discovery, potentially transforming conventional healthcare practices. A report from Grand View Research said the global AI in healthcare market size, which was estimated at USD 19.27 billion in 2023, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 38.5% from 2024 to 2030. The report said: "Mergers & acquisitions (M&As) play a significant role in shaping the healthcare AI market landscape. Companies [that] engage in M&A activities to expand their AI software and services increase their market reach or acquire specialized technology and expertise. End-users are becoming increasingly aware of the potential benefits of AI in improving patient care, operational efficiency, and healthcare outcomes. Education initiatives and industry events helped raise awareness about the capabilities and applications of AI in healthcare." A.I. companies active in the markets include: Avant Technologies Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI), Teladoc Health, Inc. (NYSE: TDOC), Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM), Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), Clover Health Investments, Corp. (NASDAQ: CLOV).

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less

Medtronic receives FDA clearance for new InPen app, paving the way for its Smart MDI system launch with Simplera CGM

New Smart MDI system will be the first system to deliver real-time, personalized insights on when and how much to dose including for missed or inaccurate mealtime doses.

Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its new InPen™ app featuring missed meal dose detection, paving the way for the launch of its Smart MDI system with the Simplera™ continuous glucose monitor (CGM). The company's Smart MDI system combines its InPen™ smart insulin pen with its newest Simplera™ CGM — the company's first disposable, all-in-one CGM that's half the size of previous Medtronic CGMs.

News Provided by PR Newswire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less

Medtronic reports second quarter fiscal 2025 financial results

Delivering on commitments, executing ahead of expectations, and raising guidance

Innovation driving sustained growth across many franchises:  TAVR, PFA, Leadless Pacemakers, Diabetes, Spine, and Neuromodulation

News Provided by Canada Newswire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less

Latest Press Releases

Related News

×