Knobbe Martens Celebrated as “Excellent IP Firm,” Dozens of Partners Recognized for Top-Tier Patent Work in IAM Patent 1000 Guide
IRVINE, Calif., June 3, 2025 – Knobbe Martens is pleased to share that the firm and two dozen of its partners from offices throughout the country have been featured in...
Stryker to Spin off Spinal Implants Business
Stryker, one of the world’s largest medtech companies, announced on January 28 that it would be selling its Spinal Implants business to Viscogliosi Brothers, a New York-based, family-owned investment firm founded...
FTC’s Proposed Noncompete Ban in Doubt
On April 23, 2024, the United States Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), via a 3-2 vote, issued a final rule, which, according to the FTC’s rule summary, provides a comprehensive ban on new noncompetes nationwide and bans existing noncompetes with workers other than senior executives. The rule is scheduled to go into effect September 4, 2024. However, a federal judge in Texas temporarily halted the implementation and enforcement of the FTC rule and stayed the September 4 start date, at least with respect to the specific plaintiffs involved in a lawsuit that challenged the FTC rule, Ryan, LLC v. Federal Trade Commission Case (No. 3:24-cv-00986).
Knobbe Martens’ Across-the-Board Strength in Patent Work Recognized in IAM 2024 Patent 1000 Guide
IRVINE, Calif., June 21, 2024 – Knobbe Martens is proud to announce that multiple practices across the firm and two dozen partners were recognized nationally and regionally for outstanding work...
Dozens of Knobbe Martens Partners and Practices Receive Standout Rankings from Legal 500
The firm and its partners were recognized for strengths across all areas of IP, including patent prosecution, trademarks, and patent litigation—including ITC litigation IRVINE, Calif., June 17, 2024 – Knobbe...
Boston Scientific to Acquire Axonics for $3.7 Billion
Boston Scientific Corporation (“Boston Scientific”) announced on January 8 that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Axonics, Inc. (“Axonics”) for an equity value of approximately $3.7 billion. The timing of the announcement coincided with the start of the 42nd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, which also saw the announcement of major acquisitions by large players in the pharmaceutical space.
Is FDA Approval for Renal Denervation on the Horizon?
On August 22-23, 2023, the FDA will conduct an Advisory Committee Meeting to discuss, make recommendations, and vote on renal denervation devices (e.g., devices indicated to reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension).
Supreme Court to Weigh in on Fraud Standard under False Claims Act
In a move that may substantially increase healthtech companies’ exposure to monetary damages, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to weigh in on the key standard for fraud lawsuits under the False Claims Act (“FCA”). On January 13, 2023, the Supreme Court granted petitions for writs of certiorari in two now-combined 7th Circuit Court whistleblower fraud lawsuits that address the fraud standard– Schutte v. Supervalu Inc. and Proctor v. Safeway.
Medtronic and DaVita Join Forces for Kidney Health
Medtronic plc and DaVita Inc. are joining forces to form a new, independent medical device company to provide enhanced kidney health care. The new company will focus on making different dialysis treatments more accessible to patients, especially at-home patients.
Baxter Completes $10B+ Acquisition of Hillrom
On December 13, Baxter International Inc. (“Baxter”) announced the completion of one of the biggest medtech acquisitions of 2021, acquiring Hillrom (a global medical equipment maker headquartered in Chicago) for a purchase price of ~$10.5 billion. The deal had originally been announced by Baxter in September 2021.
IP Litigation Remains Active in the Orthopedic and Spine Industries
The orthopedic industry traditionally sees significant levels of intellectual property litigation activity, and this year has been no different. One source of this activity comes from Conformis who has continued to assert patents directed towards surgical planning and patient specific instruments and implants. In 2021, Conformis filed three new complaints, settled one case, and continued another litigation. These cases have involved various companies, including DePuy Synthes, Exactech, Bodycad, Wright Medical, and Medacta.
Medical Device Trade Secret Not Publicly Disclosed via Patenting, Displaying, and Selling Covered Product, 7th Cir. Affirms
Can certain specific medical device details remain company know-how or protected trade secrets even if patents are pursued on the medical device? Consider the Seventh Circuit’s commentary in its August 9, 2021 decision upholding a preliminary injunction in the Life Spine, Inc. v. Aegis Spine, Inc. case. The preliminary injunction prohibits Aegis from selling or marketing its competing AccelFix product (shown below, right) until the case is resolved on the merits.
Orthopedic IP Litigation Webinar – What You Need to Know From Recent Disputes and Decisions
Attorneys Andrew Douglas, Jessica Achtsam, Michael Christensen, Kregg Koch, Christy Lea and Sabing Lee gave a very insightful presentation on IP strategies for orthopedics and other medical technologies. View live...
