Medical device maker accuses rival of patent infringement

NAPLES — Medical device manufacturer Arthrex filed a patent infringement lawsuit against a rival, Smith & Nephew.

Arthrex says it sued London-based Smith & Nephew and its subsidiary ArthroCare for infringing patents related to surgical devices for shoulders and knees. Arthrex alleges 47 counts of patent infringement relating to 12 patents in a suit filed in federal court in Texas.

“In its 179-page complaint, Arthrex contends that Smith & Nephew has encroached on this investment by manufacturing and selling suture anchors, interference screws and drill guides to the public that infringe Arthrex' patents,” the company says in a statement. “Additionally, ArthroCare has sold a line of suture anchors which likewise infringe.”

Arthrex is based in Naples and has developed more than 8,500 products for arthroscopic and orthopedic surgical procedures.