Los Angeles — In a significant legal decision, Axonics, the Irvine-based medical device company, was cleared of patent infringement allegations by Medtronic in a verdict delivered by a jury in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The jury found unanimously that Axonics did not infringe on any of the three patents cited by Medtronic in the lawsuit, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing rivalry between the two companies in the field of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) technologies.
Raymond W. Cohen, CEO of Axonics, expressed satisfaction with the jury’s decision, emphasizing that the find reaffirms the company’s stance on its proprietary technology involving tined lead design and temperature sensors. Cohen highlighted that the lawsuit, initiated by Medtronic in 2019, appeared to be a strategic move to suppress competition within the industry, thereby limiting choices available to physicians and patients. He asserted that Axonics would continue its mission to improve the quality of life for adults experiencing bladder and bowel dysfunction.
Responding to the jury’s verdict, Medtronic expressed its respectful disagreement and outlined its plans to seek a reversal of the decision through post-trial motions and an appeal if necessary. The Minneapolis-based medical technology giant also indicated its intent to persist in defending its intellectual property rights, including continuing litigation at the International Trade Commission against Axonics.
The legal battle began in November 2019 when Medtronic first filed a lawsuit accusing Axonics of infringing patents related to its Interstim system, a pioneer in the SNM market, shortly after the latter received U.S. FDA approval for its r-SNM platform. Axonics countered with multiple claims challenging the validity of Medtronic’s patents.
Throughout the legal proceedings, various claims and counterclaims have been examined by the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). Although PTAB sided with Medtronic in 2020 and again in 2021, rejecting Axonics’ challenges to certain patents related to implant recharging and temperature control, the most recent court verdict marks a significant win for Axonics.
The dispute escalated in February 2024 when Medtronic approached the U.S. International Trade Commission and the District Court for the District of Delaware, seeking to block the import and sale of Axonics products allegedly infringing on two patents essential for MRI compatibility.
Legal experts point out that such disputes are common in competitive high-tech industries, especially when established companies face new entrants that threaten their market share. Intellectual property rights play a crucial role in protecting innovations but can also be used as a tactical measure to intimidate competitors.
Despite the legal battles, Axonics maintains its stance that Medtronic’s actions are intended to undermine the smaller competitor and inhibit innovation that could benefit patients needing neuromodulation therapies.
As this legal saga continues to unfold, it highlights the complex interplay of innovation, competition, and legal strategy in the medical technology industry. Both companies remain committed to protecting their technological advancements while ensuring they navigate the intricate landscape of intellectual property laws. The outcomes of these legal actions will likely influence the direction of technological developments in neuromodulation, affecting providers and patients alike.