Advanced Medical Optics and Alcon settle patent dispute

Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) and Alcon have resolved their patent disputes, it has been reported.

The two ophthalmic medical companies were involved in a dispute over patents for technologies used in ophthalmic surgery.

Under the terms of the resolution, neither company may now sue the other for the patents in question and both have been granted a licence to the patents concerning existing phacoemulsification equipment features, used in modern-day cataract surgery.

The lawsuits had been running since 2003 and although juries had ruled in favour of AMO, Alcon appealed and accrued $242 million from a Delaware ruling. This has now been split between the two companies, meaning that Alcon has paid AMO $121 million.

Jim Mazzo, AMO’s chairman, president and chief executive officer, stated: “We invest substantial resources and energies to develop new ophthalmic technologies and are pleased to bring these legal matters to a swift and successful close for the benefit of our stockholders and customers.”

Alcon’s chairman, chief executive officer and president, Cary Rayment, added: “This comprehensive settlement resolves numerous complex patent issues involving our two companies.”

He concluded: “Alcon will continue to market all existing phacoemulsification platforms while focusing our development efforts on technological advancements that will continue to revolutionise cataract surgery.”

Both companies have extensive interests worldwide, as well as operating in the UK.

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