EYE » Topics » Item 1. Legal Proceedings

This excerpt taken from the EYE 10-Q filed Aug 8, 2007.

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

On January 4, 2005, Dr. James Nielsen filed a complaint against us and Allergan, Inc. in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, for infringement of U.S. Patent No. 5,158,572. Dr. Nielsen alleged that our Array multifocal intraocular lens infringed the patent. Effective May 10, 2007, the parties entered into a Compromise Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release of Claims. All claims were dismissed with prejudice on May 24, 2007.

While we are involved from time to time in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, including product liability claims (related to our May 2007 MoisturePlus Recall or otherwise), we are not currently aware of any other actions against us or Allergan relating to the optical medical device business that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. We may be subject to future litigation and infringement claims, which could cause us to incur significant expenses or prevent us from selling its products. We operate in an industry susceptible to significant product liability claims. Product liability claims may be asserted against us in the future arising out of the May 2007 MoisturePlus Recall and/or events not known to us at the present time. Under the terms of the contribution and distribution agreement affecting the spin-off, Allergan agreed to assume responsibility for, and to indemnify us against, all current and future litigation relating to its retained businesses and we agreed to assume responsibility for, and to indemnify Allergan against, all current and future litigation related to the optical medical device business.

This excerpt taken from the EYE 10-Q filed Nov 8, 2006.
Item 1. Legal Proceedings

On July 7, 2006, we entered into a settlement agreement, with an effective date of June 30, 2006, with Alcon, Inc., Alcon Laboratories, Inc., and Alcon Manufacturing Ltd. (collectively, “Alcon”) regarding all pending patent litigation between AMO and Alcon. The settlement required Alcon to pay AMO a lump-sum payment of $121 million which we received in July 2006. The parties agreed to dismiss all pending patent litigation in Delaware and Texas, agreed not to sue each other regarding the patents at issue in those cases, and cross-licensed patents covering existing features of commercially available phacoemulsification products. As part of the settlement, the parties agreed to a dispute resolution process for future claims before litigation is commenced.

On January 4, 2005, Dr. James Nielsen filed a complaint against us and Allergan, Inc. in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, for infringement of U.S. Patent No. 5,158,572. Dr. Nielsen alleges that our Array multifocal intraocular lens infringes the patent. He is seeking damages and a permanent injunction. The trial in this matter was originally scheduled to begin on November 6, 2006, but this date has been vacated.  A new trial date has not yet been scheduled.

We do not believe, based on current knowledge, that any of the foregoing legal proceedings or claims are likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, we may incur substantial expenses in defending against third party claims. In the event of a determination adverse to us or our subsidiaries, we may incur substantial monetary liability, and be required to change our business practices. Either of these could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

While we are involved from time to time in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, including product liability claims, we are not currently aware of any other actions against us or Allergan relating to the optical medical device business that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. We may be subject to future litigation and infringement claims, which could cause us to incur significant expenses or prevent us from selling our products. We operate in an industry susceptible to significant product liability claims. Product liability claims may be asserted against us in the future arising out of events not known to us at the present time. Under the terms of the contribution and distribution agreement effecting our spin-off, Allergan agreed to assume responsibility for, and to indemnify us against, all current and future litigation relating to its retained businesses and we agreed to assume responsibility for, and to indemnify Allergan against, all current and future litigation related to the optical medical device business.

This excerpt taken from the EYE 10-Q filed Aug 9, 2006.
Item 1. Legal Proceedings

On July 7, 2006, we entered into a settlement agreement, with an effective date of June 30, 2006, with Alcon, Inc., Alcon Laboratories, Inc., and Alcon Manufacturing Ltd. (collectively, “Alcon”) regarding all pending patent litigation between AMO and Alcon. The settlement required Alcon to pay AMO a lump-sum payment of $121 million which we received in July 2006. The parties agreed to dismiss all pending patent litigation in Delaware and Texas, agreed not to sue each other regarding the patents at issue in those cases, and cross-licensed patents covering existing features of commercially available phacoemulsification products. As part of the settlement, the parties agreed to a dispute resolution process for future claims before litigation is commenced.

On January 4, 2005, Dr. James Nielsen filed a complaint against us and Allergan, Inc. in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, for infringement of U.S. Patent No. 5,158,572. Dr. Nielsen alleges that our Array multifocal intraocular lens infringes the patent. He is seeking damages and a permanent injunction. The trial in this matter is scheduled to begin on November 6, 2006.

We do not believe, based on current knowledge, that any of the foregoing legal proceedings or claims are likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, we may incur substantial expenses in defending against third party claims. In the event of a determination adverse to us or our subsidiaries, we may incur substantial monetary liability, and be required to change our business practices. Either of these could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

While we are involved from time to time in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, including product liability claims, we are not currently aware of any other actions against us or Allergan relating to the optical medical device business that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. We may be subject to future litigation and infringement claims, which could cause us to incur significant expenses or prevent us from selling our products. We operate in an industry susceptible to significant product liability claims. Product liability claims may be asserted against us in the future arising out of events not known to us at the present time. Under the terms of the contribution and distribution agreement effecting our spin-off, Allergan agreed to assume responsibility for, and to indemnify us against, all current and future litigation relating to its retained businesses and we agreed to assume responsibility for, and to indemnify Allergan against, all current and future litigation related to the optical medical device business.

This excerpt taken from the EYE 10-Q filed May 10, 2006.
Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

On December 3, 2003, we filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against Alcon, Inc. and Alcon Laboratories, Inc. for infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 5,700,240 (Barwick Patent) and 6,059,765 (Cole/Sutton Patent). We alleged that Alcon’s “Infiniti” and “Series 20000 Legacy” phacoemulsification machines infringed the patents. We sought damages and a permanent injunction. The trial of this matter began on April 25, 2005 and concluded on May 6, 2005. The jury found both of our patents to be valid and infringed by Alcon, and awarded us $94.8 million in damages. The jury further found that Alcon had willfully infringed both of our patents. On June 21, 2005, a bench trial was conducted by the Court to determine if we had sufficiently marked our equipment with the patent numbers and to determine if Alcon had waived any argument relating thereto. On December 16, 2005, the Court ruled that we did not sufficiently mark our patents and reduced the jury award from $94.8 million to $71.3 million. However, the Court further ruled that Alcon had willfully infringed our patents and trebled the $71.3 million damage award to $213.9 million. The Court also granted our request for a permanent injunction on both patents. However, the Court stayed the injunction on the Cole/Sutton Patent pending appeal. On January 20, 2006, judgment was entered including additional damages from March 2005 through December 31, 2005 and interest based thereon, resulting in final damages of $234.5 million. The Court further ordered Alcon to pay all of our attorney fees and costs, estimated at $4 million. Alcon filed an appeal of the final judgment on January 20, 2006. We cross appealed on February 3, 2006. On February 3, 2006, Alcon filed a motion for a new trial with the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. We opposed this motion on February 24, 2006. The Court of Appeal has deactivated the appeal until the motion for new trial has been decided by the U.S. District Court.

 

On January 28, 2004, Alcon Manufacturing, Ltd. filed a complaint against us and Allergan, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division, for infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 4,832,685 and 4,935,005 (Haines Patents). Alcon alleged that our Prestige and Sovereign phacoemulsification systems and replacement cassettes infringe the patents. Alcon is seeking damages and a permanent injunction. At Alcon’s request, the case has been stayed in Texas while the parties seek re-examination by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on the Haines Patents in light of another patent we allege invalidates the Haines Patents.

 

On January 4, 2005, Dr. James Nielsen filed a complaint against us and Allergan, Inc. in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, for infringement of U.S. Patent No. 5,158,572. Dr. Nielsen alleges that our Array multifocal intraocular lens infringes the patent. He is seeking damages and a permanent injunction. The trial in this matter is scheduled to begin on November 6, 2006.

 

On August 8, 2005, Alcon Manufacturing, Ltd and Alcon Laboratories, Inc. filed a complaint against us in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division, for infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 4,921,477 (relating to a surgical irrigation and aspiration system with a dampening device); 5,199,943 (relating to an ultrasonic surgical handpiece); 5,188,589 (relating to a textured sleeve in a phacoemulsification handpiece); and 5,876,016 and 6,109,572 (both of which relate to an apparatus and method to elevate an infusion source in an ophthalmic surgical procedure). Alcon alleged that we infringe these patents in the course of selling our phacoemulsification systems or accessories, and is seeking damages and a permanent injunction. The trial in this matter is scheduled to begin on August 14, 2006.

 

On September 13, 2005, Alcon Manufacturing, Ltd. filed a complaint against us in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, for infringement of U.S Patent No. 5,273,056 relating to the use of a combination of viscoelastics during ophthalmic surgery. Alcon alleged that we infringed, contributorily infringed, and/or induced infringement of this patent, and is seeking damages and a permanent injunction.

 

We do not believe, based on current knowledge, that any of the foregoing legal proceedings or claims are likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, we may incur substantial expenses in defending against third party claims. In the event of a determination adverse to us or our subsidiaries, we may incur substantial monetary liability, and be required to change our business practices. Either of these could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

While we are involved from time to time in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, including product liability claims, we are not currently aware of any other actions against us or Allergan relating to the optical medical device

 

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business that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. We may be subject to future litigation and infringement claims, which could cause us to incur significant expenses or prevent us from selling our products. We operate in an industry susceptible to significant product liability claims. Product liability claims may be asserted against us in the future arising out of events not known to us at the present time. Under the terms of the contribution and distribution agreement effecting our spin-off, Allergan agreed to assume responsibility for, and to indemnify us against, all current and future litigation relating to its retained businesses and we agreed to assume responsibility for, and to indemnify Allergan against, all current and future litigation related to the optical medical device business.

 

This excerpt taken from the EYE 10-Q filed Aug 1, 2005.

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

On December 3, 2003, we filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against Alcon, Inc. and Alcon Laboratories, Inc. for infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 5,700,240 (Barwick Patent) and 6,059,765 (Cole/Sutton Patent). We alleged that Alcon’s “Infiniti” and “Series 2000 Legacy” phacoemulsification machines infringe the patents. We are seeking damages and a permanent injunction. The trial of this matter began on April 25, 2005 and concluded on May 6, 2005. The jury found both of our patents to be valid and infringed by Alcon, and awarded us $94.8 million in damages. The jury further found that Alcon had willfully infringed both of our patents. Based upon this finding of willfulness, the Court may, in its discretion, enhance the jury damages awarded by up to treble the amount of the jury award. On June 21, 2005, a bench trial was conducted by the Court to determine if we had sufficiently marked our equipment with the patent numbers and to determine if Alcon had waived any argument relating thereto. The Court could reduce the jury damages as a result of this bench trial. We have requested that a permanent injunction be issued against Alcon with respect to these patents. Alcon has requested a stay of any injunction granted by the Court pending its appeal of the jury findings and award.

 

On January 28, 2004, Alcon Manufacturing, Ltd. filed a complaint against us and Allergan, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division, for infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 4,832,685 and 4,935,005 (Haines Patents). Alcon alleged that our Prestige and Sovereign phacoemulsification systems and replacement cassettes infringe the patents. Alcon is seeking damages and a permanent injunction. At Alcon’s request, the case has been stayed in Texas while the parties seek re-examination by the U.S.P.T.O. on the Haines Patents in light of another patent we allege invalidates the Haines Patents.

 

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On January 4, 2005, Dr. James Nielsen filed a complaint against us and Allergan, Inc. in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, for infringement of U.S. Patent No. 5,158,572. Dr. Nielsen alleges that our Array multifocal intraocular lens infringes the patent. He is seeking damages and a permanent injunction. We believe the claim is without merit.

 

On or about November 12, 2004, two putative class action lawsuits were filed in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Santa Clara, against VISX and the VISX board of directors. The cases were captioned William Kinchy vs. VISX, Incorporated, et al., Case No. 104CV030447 and Douglas Shearer vs. VISX, Incorporated, et al., Case No. 104CV030452. On January 27, 2005, the court ordered the two cases consolidated under the Kinchy case. On January 28, 2005, William Kinchy filed an amended complaint that alleges, among other things, that the VISX board of directors and certain executive officers breached their fiduciary duties of loyalty and due care by approving the merger agreement and the merger contemplated by the merger agreement without undertaking sufficient efforts to obtain the best offer possible for stockholders. The complaint further alleges that the consideration to be paid in the merger is unfair and inadequate, and that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to care, loyalty and candor to VISX from consummating the merger and rights of rescission against the merger and any of the terms of the merger agreement, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs.

 

On March 14, 2005, VISX reached an agreement in principle with plaintiff’s counsel pursuant to which plaintiff will release the defendants, as well as AMO and certain VISX agents and affiliates, from all claims that have been brought or could have been brought under the state or federal law arising out of or relating to the merger. The settlement agreement remains subject to approval by the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Santa Clara. Under the agreement in principle, VISX agreed to make certain additional disclosures that were included in the joint proxy statement/prospectus. In addition, VISX agreed that it will not oppose a fee application by plaintiff’s counsel of up to $500,000.

 

While we are involved from time to time in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, including product liability claims, we are not currently aware of any other actions against us or Allergan relating to the optical medical device business that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. We may be subject to future litigation and infringement claims, which could cause us to incur significant expenses or prevent us from selling our products. We operate in an industry susceptible to significant product liability claims. Product liability claims may be asserted against us in the future arising out of events not known to us at the present time. Under the terms of the contribution and distribution agreement effecting our spin-off, Allergan agreed to assume responsibility for, and to indemnify us against, all current and future litigation relating to its retained businesses and we agreed to assume responsibility for, and to indemnify Allergan against, all current and future litigation related to the optical medical device business.

 

This excerpt taken from the EYE 8-K filed Jul 13, 2005.

Legal Proceedings

 

In and prior to 2003, VISX was involved in litigation in the United States and elsewhere with one of its competitors, Nidek, relating to the parties’ respective patent rights and Nidek’s claims that VISX’s activities violated antitrust and unfair competition laws. On April 4, 2003, VISX and Nidek signed final agreements covering a global litigation settlement and a worldwide cross-license of certain of the parties’ respective patents. This settlement resulted in the dismissal of all litigation between the parties world wide, and involved a payment by VISX to Nidek of $9.0 million for the settlement of Nidek’s antitrust and unfair competition claims. The settlement amount of $9.0 million was accrued at December 31, 2002 and paid in full in 2003.

 

In or about October 2001, VISX terminated a Development and Supply Agreement between itself and Aculight Corporation. The Agreement requires that before any party may commence litigation for any controversy or claim arising under the Agreement, such claim must first be submitted to nonbinding mediation. The parties have exchanged correspondence concerning a claim by Aculight that it is owed approximately $1.9 million in cancellation fees by virtue of VISX’s termination of the Agreement. VISX denies that any amounts are owed because Aculight was in breach of certain obligations under the Agreement at the time of termination; Aculight contends that it did not breach any such obligations. Aculight demanded mediation of this dispute pursuant to the Agreement, and in January 2005, the parties scheduled mediation before Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services (JAMS) for March 25, 2005. While it is not feasible to predict or determine with certainty the final outcome of the mediation, or any lawsuit filed by Aculight if the parties’ dispute is not resolved by mediation, VISX believes any such lawsuit would be without merit, and that the mediation or lawsuit would not be likely to give rise to any liability that would materially affect VISX’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

On or about November 12, 2004, two putative class action lawsuits were filed in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Santa Clara, against VISX and the VISX board of directors. The cases were captioned William Kinchy vs. VISX, Incorporated, et al., Case No. 104CV030447 and Douglas Shearer vs. VISX, Incorporated, et al., Case No. 104CV030452. On January 27, 2005, the court ordered the two cases consolidated under the Kinchy case. On January 28, 2005, William Kinchy filed an amended complaint that alleges, among other things, that the VISX board of directors and certain executive officers breached their fiduciary duties of loyalty and due care by approving the merger agreement and the merger contemplated by the merger agreement without undertaking sufficient efforts to obtain the best offer possible for stockholders. The complaint further alleges that the consideration to be paid in the merger is unfair and inadequate, and that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties of care, loyalty and candor to VISX’s public stockholders in connection with the merger. The complaint seeks an injunction prohibiting VISX from consummating the merger and rights of rescission against the merger and any of the terms of the merger agreement, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs. While it is not feasible to predict or determine with certainty the final outcome of these lawsuits, VISX believes they are without merit, and are not likely to give rise to any liability that would materially affect VISX’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

On March 14, 2005, VISX reached an agreement in principle with plaintiff’s counsel pursuant to which plaintiff will release the defendants, as well as AMO and certain VISX agents and affiliates, from all claims that have been brought or could have been brought under state or federal law arising out of or relating to the merger. The settlement agreement remains subject to approval by the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Santa Clara. Under the agreement in principle, VISX agreed to make certain additional disclosures that have been included in the joint proxy statement/prospectus. In addition, VISX has agreed that it will not oppose a fee application by plaintiff’s counsel of up to $500,000.

 

VISX is involved in various other legal proceedings and disputes that arise in the normal course of business. These matters include product liability actions, contract disputes and other matters. Based on currently available information, VISX believes that its has meritorious defenses to these actions and that the resolution of these cases is not likely to have a material adverse effect on its business, financial position or future results of operations.

 

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This excerpt taken from the EYE 10-K filed Mar 2, 2005.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

 

On December 3, 2003, we filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against Alcon, Inc. and Alcon Laboratories, Inc. for infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 5,700,240 and 6,059,765. We alleged that Alcon’s “Infiniti” and “Series 2000 Legacy” phacoemulsification machines infringe the patents. We are seeking damages and a permanent injunction. Discovery has concluded, a hearing was held on patent claims construction and multiple dispositive motions, and trial date of April 25, 2005 has been set.

 

On January 28, 2004, Alcon Manufacturing, Ltd. filed a complaint against us and Allergan, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division, for infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 4,832,685 and 4,935,005 (Haines Patents). Alcon alleged that our Prestige and Sovereign phacoemulsification systems and replacement cassettes infringe the patents. Alcon is seeking damages and a permanent injunction. Discovery has commenced, however, Alcon has requested that the case be stayed in Texas while it seeks re-examination by the U.S.P.T.O. on the Haines Patents in light of another patent we allege invalidates the Haines Patents.

 

On January 4, 2005, Dr. James Nielsen filed a complaint against us and Allergan, Inc. in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, for infringement of U.S. Patent No. 5,158,572. Dr. Nielsen alleges that our Array multifocal intraocular lens infringes the patent. He is seeking damages and a permanent injunction.

 

While we are involved from time to time in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, including product liability claims, we are not currently aware of any other actions against us or Allergan relating to the optical medical device

 

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business that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. We may be subject to future litigation and infringement claims, which could cause us to incur significant expenses or prevent us from selling our products. We operate in an industry susceptible to significant product liability claims. Product liability claims may be asserted against us in the future arising out of events not known to us at the present time. Under the terms of the contribution and distribution agreement effecting our spin-off, Allergan agreed to assume responsibility for, and to indemnify us against, all current and future litigation relating to its retained businesses and we agreed to assume responsibility for, and to indemnify Allergan against, all current and future litigation related to the optical medical device business.

 

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