More Device Mergers Could Mean Fewer Patent Infringement Cases

Want to work your way out of a thorny patent dispute over your artificial heart valve? Buy your opponent.

Mergers and acquisitions can help companies that make medical devices like pacemakers or insulin pumps avoid or delay costly patent litigation, said Kory Christensen, a partner at Polsinelli LLP who specializes in intellectual property law.

“Mergers and acquisitions are often used as a means to settle,” he said in an interview. “Companies that are in the middle of a lawsuit may choose to merge as an alternative to avoid trial, assuming that the antitrust issues are fixed. Litigation is expensive and ...