Occlutech GmbH, the leading European manufacturer of cardiac occlusion devices today announced a clarification of a recent news release.
In a news release dated February 8th, 2008, Occlutech stated that it received an opinion from AIPPI the European "Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property" with regard to non infringement by Occlutech of certain European IP held by AGA Medical.
AIPPI has requested a clarification of this statement:
1) The name European International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property was not stated correctly. The correct name is the "International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property".
2) The opinion received by Occlutech which states that Occlutech is not infringing EP 0808138B1 and its Italian part 019020BE/2006 held by AGA Medical Corp was commissioned through the Italian National Group of AIPPI but not issued by AIPPI International itself. The opinion was issued by and in the name of three independent experts nominated by the Italian Group of AIPPI. The opinion was issued by the experts nominated by the Italian Branch of AIPPI and not by, in the name of or on behalf of AIPPI International or the Italian National Group of AIPPI.
The opinion was given without influence of Occlutech GmbH and the impartiality of the experts has subsequently been confirmed by the Italian Branch of AIPPI.
3) Such an independent opinion commissioned through AIPPI is an instrument aiming at giving the requiring party a qualified and impartial opinion. It does not represent an official opinion by AIPPI since AIPPI does not get involved in intellectual property disputes between parties on behalf or in favour of one of the parties.
Occlutech GmbH regrets that its communication was not clear with regard to the role of AIPPI in commissioning and receiving the opinion.
Occlutech GmbH develops and manufactures a wide range of occluders that are sold under the Occlutech Figulla N brand in over 40 countries in European and international markets. Clinical programs leading to regulatory approval in the US and Japan are underway.
Contact:
Robert Moszner
E-mail: robert.moszner@occlutech.com
Phone: +49-3641 67 51 20
Susanne Goransson
E-mail: info@occlutech.info
Phone: +46-704336521