Cook Medical sues Endologix over stent-grafts

Cook Medical sues Endologix, claiming patent infringement on 2 stent-graft devices

• On 7:41 am EDT, Friday October 9, 2009

NEW YORK (AP) -- Medical device maker Cook Medical said Thursday it is suing Endologix Inc., claiming patent infringement on two of its endovascular stent-grafts.

The tubes are used to repair arterial aneurysms.

Bloomington, Ind.-based Cook filed the lawsuit Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Southern District of Indiana. Endologix, which makes devices to treat vascular disease, is based in Irvine, Calif.

"We have just become aware of the lawsuit filed by Cook alleging that Endologix infringes two of Cook's patents, one of which was granted in 1991 and the other in 1998," said Endologix CEO John McDermott in a statement. "The patent granted in 1991 expires next week. Together with our patent counsel, we are conducting a thorough evaluation and will provide more information as soon as available."

In premarket trading, Endologix shares rose 15 cents, or 3.1 percent, to $5.05. Cook Medical is privately held.