Aug 10, 2001
Appellate Court Decision Affirms the Strength of Guidant's Coronary Stent Patents

Indianapolis, Ind. - Guidant Corporation today stated that a recent U.S. Court of Appeals ruling on a coronary stent patent infringement suit affirms the strength of specific Guidant coronary stent patents.

"We are very gratified by the court's decision," said Ronald W. Dollens, president and CEO, Guidant Corporation. "This ruling confirms the fundamental importance of this particular set of patents that utilize stent technology to treat vascular disease."

The patent infringement suit was between Guidant and Boston Scientific. Last year, Guidant and Boston Scientific signed a comprehensive settlement agreement covering technology involved in various matters in dispute between the two companies. This agreement included a restricted license to these patents.

Guidant Corporation pioneers lifesaving technology, giving an opportunity for better life today to 7 million cardiac and vascular patients worldwide. The company, driven by a strong entrepreneurial culture of 10,000 employees, develops, manufactures and markets a broad array of products and services that enable less invasive care for some of life's most threatening medical conditions.