A Medical Device Daily

Kinetic Concepts (KCI; San Antonio) reported that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued office actions confirming the validity of three separate patents licensed to KCI by Wake Forest University Health Sciences (Winston-Salem, North Carolina) in re-examination proceedings.

"The advanced wound care market represents a very competitive environment," said Stephen Seidel, KCI executive VP, CAO and general counsel. "In a competitive market, patents remain important and are a protection due any company that truly innovates. KCI's patents reflect thorough research undertaken with an eye towards patient care, meaningful clinical outcomes and reduced costs to the healthcare system. That's what competition and innovation are all about."

The patents associated with this decision include U.S. Patent Nos. 5,636,643 (the '643 Patent), 5,645,081 (the '081 Patent), and 7,216,651 (the '651 Patent), which all relate to KCI's negative pressure wound therapy technologies. The USPTO has provided public notice of its intent to issue certificates of re-examination affirming the validity of key claims in the '643 Patent and the '081 Patent. The USPTO also issued a formal office action confirming the validity of all claims in the '651 Patent.

KCI develops therapies and products for the wound care, tissue regeneration and therapeutic support system markets.