Feb 20, 2004
Guidant Announces Settlement of All Litigation With Boston Scientific

Indianapolis, Ind. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiac and vascular disease, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Boston Scientific Corporation to settle all outstanding litigation between the two companies.

Guidant and Boston Scientific have pending a number of lawsuits in which each has accused the other of patent infringement. This litigation involves coronary stents, coronary stent delivery systems and dilatation catheters. All pending disputes between the companies will be immediately dismissed. In addition, the companies have agreed to cross license patents in a number of specified technology areas.

"Guidant Corporation is pleased to reach this agreement with Boston Scientific," said Ronald W. Dollens, Guidant president and chief executive officer. "By eliminating the expense and uncertainty that is associated with litigation, and by reaching an agreement on cross licenses, both companies will benefit'"as will the physicians and patients who depend on our life-saving technologies."

Guidant Corporation pioneers lifesaving technology, giving an opportunity for better life today to millions of cardiac and vascular patients worldwide. The company, driven by a strong entrepreneurial culture of 11,000 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. For more information visit www.guidant.com.