Appeals Court Rules Smith & Nephew Didn’t Infringe on KCI Patents

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in San Antonio, Texas, upheld a trial court judgment that the gauze-based Versatile 1 negative pressure wound therapy system from London-based Smith & Nephew does not infringe on patents by Kinetic Concepts, Inc.

According to Robin Carlstein, senior vice president of advanced wound Devices at Smith & Nephew, the court’s decision affirmed the company’s product as a “legitimate offering” in wound care market. “Smith & Nephew  will continue operating in this important space,” Carlstein said. “Most importantly, we remain dedicated to using innovative technologies to improve patients’ lives.”

Kinetic Concepts, Inc., headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, manufactures products for wound care, negative pressure wound therapy and therapeutic support systems