Diomed wins patent fight

Diomed Holdings Inc., which makes treatments for vascular disorders, today said a jury found that competitors AngioDynamics Inc. and Vascular Solutions infringed on its patent for laser treatment procedures.

The Anodver company said a federal jury in Massachusetts found both companies liable and awarded combined damages of just under $12.5 million.

At issue was Diomed's '777' patent, which deals with its laser treatments. In September, a judge dismissed AngioDynamics' claim that two of Diomed's patents were invalid, noninfringed, and unenforceable. Those patents dealt with Diomed's "marked sheath" products, including the EndoVenous laser treatment for varicose veins.

Diomed first sued competitors in 2004. The company said it will seek a permanent injunction to halt AngioDynamics and Vascular Solutions sales of the infringing products.

AngioDynamics said it will file a motion to overturn the verdict. The company said its portion of the damages is just under $8.4 million.

Vascular Solutions could not be reached for comment.
(AP)