Edwards says German court rules in its favor and against CoreValve in heart valve patent suit

Edwards Lifesciences wins German patent lawsuit

IRVINE, Calif. — Edwards Lifesciences Corp. said Tuesday a German court ruled in its favor in a patent infringement lawsuit, finding against CoreValve Inc.

Edwards said the Federal Patent Court in Munich ruled that a patent supporting its transcatheter heart valve technology is valid. Edwards sued CoreValve in May 2007, saying it was infringing on that patent. CoreValve argued the patent was not valid, but Edwards said CoreValve’s arguments were dismissed.

CoreValve was acquired by Minneapolis-based heart device maker Medtronic Inc. in April 2009. Medtronic did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In afternoon trading, shares of Irvine, Calif.-based Edwards rose $1.07 to $92.66. Earlier the stock set an annual high of $92.95. Medtronic shares also set an annual high of $46.50 and then retreated to $46.10, up 49 cents on the day.