TMT ‘M-Stent’ Patent Survives Medtronic’s Tribunal Challenge

Several Medtronic Inc. units’ administrative challenge to a patent for a stent used to treat aneurysms came up short, delivering a blow to the company in related litigation.

The companies had argued to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board that five claims were unworthy of patent protection as they would’ve been obvious based on previously issued patents. But the board ruled that they hadn’t carried their burden, rejecting the challenge across the board.

US Patent No. 7,101,393 describes an “M-stent” developed by Timur Sarac, chief vascular surgeon at Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center. Its owner, TMT Systems Inc., was founded ...