A Medical Device Daily

Applera (Norwalk, Connecticut) and Beckman Coulter (Fullerton, California), a maker of instrument systems, tests and supplies that simplify and automate laboratory processes, jointly reported that they have entered into a definitive agreement to resolve all outstanding legal disputes between the parties regarding claims to certain Beckman Coulter patented capillary electrophoresis technology and instrumentation technology and Applera's allegations of breach of contract of certain licensed technology.

The agreement terms are consistent with those described in the joint announcement of a preliminary agreement made on April 26.

In other legalities, following a public comment period the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has approved the issuance of a final consent order concerning Fresenius AG (Bad Homburg, Germany), the world's largest, integrated provider of products and services for individuals undergoing dialysis because of chronic kidney failure, and its subsidiary, Renal Care Group.

The commission vote to issue the final order was 5-0.