J&J Wins Bid to Block Intuitive’s Robotic Staplers From U.S.

J&J’s Ethicon unit won an order that could result in a import ban on Intuitive’s robotic-mounted surgical stapler, though the order may never take effect, according to a notice posted by the U.S. International Trade Commission.

• Ethicon claimed that Intuitive’s EndoWrist and SureForm devices, which are used with the da Vinci surgical systems, as well as staple reload cartridges used in the devices, infringe its patents
• The commission found that the staplers, reload cartridges and components infringe one J&J patent and issued an import ban on the products
• The commission suspended imposition of the ban while J&J appeals ...