Endologix says Cook lawsuit without merit

Endologix says Cook Medical's patent infringement lawsuit is without merit

• On 5:14 pm EDT, Tuesday October 13, 2009

IRVINE, Calif. (AP) -- Medical device maker Endologix Inc. said Tuesday a lawsuit by Cook Medical over a patent claim is without merit and the company will defend its position.

On Thursday, Bloomington, Ind.-based Cook Medical said 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 last Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Southern District of Indiana. Endologix makes devices to treat vascular disease.

On Thursday, Endologix said one of the patents, granted in 1991, expires this week.

"We are pleased that our initial evaluation of these claims, which Cook Medical waited for years to assert, has already yielded support for numerous promising defenses," said Endologix President and CEO John McDermott.

Shares of Endologix fell 16 cents to close at $5.09 Tuesday.