Smith & Nephew Endoscopy and John Hayhurst sued Arthrex over three years ago, claiming that Arthrex’s Bio Suture Tak, Peek Suture Tak and Push Lock suture anchors infringed a US patent owned by Dr Hayhurst and under exclusive license to Smith & Nephew Endoscopy. The jury awarded Smith & Nephew $14.7 million for Arthrex’s past infringement.
Smith & Nephew now plans to seek an injunction prohibiting Arthrex from further manufacturing or selling the infringing devices in the US. The disputed patent covers Smith & Nephew Endoscopy’s Tag Wedge, Tag Rod, and Bioraptor Suture Anchors used primarily in surgical repair of the shoulder.