Occlutech Wins Confirmation of its Intellectual Property Position versus AGA Medical Patent by AIPPI

Jena (Germany) 7 February (PROTEXT/ots) - Occlutech GmbH, the leadingEuropean manufacturer of coronary occlusion devices today announced that ithas obtained approval for its IP position in relation to patents held byAGA Medical Inc. from AIPPI, the European International Association for theProtection of Intellectual Property.

AIPPI is the world's leading non-government organization for research intoand protection of intellectual property, and is a respected source foropinions and arbitration on IP matters such as patent interpretation andthe use of IP in unfair competition.

In patent infringement litigation filed in Germany by AGA Medical Inc. in2006, AGA argued and got the courts approval for a broad interpretation ofits granted patent claims. During the original grant procedure, however,the Examiners of the European Patent Office did not accept the broad scopeof the claims. This created significant reason for Occlutech to appeal thefirst instance district court's decision that Occlutech literally infringethe AGA patent in Germany and to initiate non-infringement proceedings inseveral other European countries. Occlutech asked AIPPI for an independent,clarifying opinion which now further supports Occlutech´s position.

In a statement Robert Moszner, CEO of Occlutech GmbH, said: "We are verypleased with the opinion of AIPPI. In addition to several expert opinions,it strongly supports our view that we are not infringing the patent broughtforward by AGA Medical. We have developed a unique technology that issurrounded by its own strong intellectual property and we look forward tohaving our position confirmed in European and U.S. National courts."Occlusion devices are used to treat structural heart disease, includingstructural heart defects and abnormalities such as Atrial Septal Defects,(ASD), and Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) - an undesired channel between thehearts two atria that is present in up to 25% of the population - in aminimally invasive, non-surgical way. The market for PFO occluders inparticular is expected to expand significantly as the link between PFO andstrokes, as well as severe migraine, becomes increasingly well-documented.

Occlutech develops and manufactures a wide range of occluders that are soldunder the Occlutech Figulla brand in over 40 countries in European andinternational markets. Clinical programs leading to regulatory approval inthe US and Japan are also underway.

Contact:

Robert Moszner

E-mail: robert.moszner@occlutech.com

Phone: +49 3641 67 51 20

Susanne Göransson

E-mail: info@occlutech.info

Phone: +46-704336521

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