The US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division, has awarded Retractable Technologies Inc. $5 million in a patent infringement suit against Becton, Dickinson and Co.

Retractable Technologies manufactures VanishPoint® automated retraction safety syringes, automated retractions blood collection devices and automated retraction IC catheters. Becton, Dickinson manufactures similar retractable safety syringes under the brand name “Integra.” Both companies’ products are designed to minimize accidental needle stick injuries to healthcare workers.

The Court found that the design of Becton, Dickinson’s 1 ml and 3ml Integra syringes infringed on Retractable Technologies patent. In addition to the $5 million settlement, the Court also ordered Becton, Dickinson to pay prejudgment interest from March 2002 through the end of the trial.  The Court issued a permanent injunction and further ordered Becton, Dickinson not to manufacture or sell the infringing devices until the expiration of the patents. However, the injunction will not go into affect  until the completion of an appeal on the case, or 12 months from the date of the order (May 19, 2010), whichever comes later.

SOURCE:  “Retractable Technologies Receives Final Judgment In Patent Litigation Against Becton, Dickinson and Co.” http://www.rttnews.com/Content/QuickFacts.aspx?Node=B1&Id=1314448 &Category=Quick Facts