Research Industries Corp. said the Federal Appeals Court has ruled in favor of its medical subsidiary and against 3M in a patent infringement lawsuit that 3M had brought against Research's dual-stage venous return catheter products.
Research's dual-stage catheter product line has been one of its major revenue generators for the past several years.Following a trial in Utah in 1986, the district court entered a judgment finding 3M's patent invalid and also unenforceable due to "inequitable conduct" in procuring it.
Following the resolution of several issues not handled at that trial, 3M brought its appeal in January 1991. The Federal Circuit Court entered its judgment this month "affirming the district court decision in all respects," the company said.
Research Industries is claiming $504,680.97 in recoverable costs and attorneys fees. The amount is also subject to interest charges dating to November, 1986, when the original judgment was ordered, the company said.
Research said the case will now return to the district court in Utah for determination of the exact amount payable to Research by 3M.