Patent Verdict Against Medtronic Upheld

A federal judge has upheld a $226.3 million patent infringement verdict against Medtronic, although the medical device company said it will appeal.

DePuy Spine Inc., a unit of Johnson & Johnson, had accused a subsidiary of Medtronic Inc. of violating its patent on a spinal screw. A jury agreed in September and awarded DePuy $226.3 million.

Medtronic spokeswoman Marybeth Thorsgaard said the company will appeal Tuesday's decision.

On Dec. 19, DePuy is set to ask Judge Edward F. Harrington in Boston for an injunction against Medtronic's sale of the screws.

Medtronic has previously said it is phasing in a new screw design that won't infringe on the patent.