US Supreme Court Limits Estoppel Rule In Minerva Surgical v. Hologic

The ruling keeps the principle of assignor estoppel in place, but limits its use to situations where an inventor’s claims in court directly contradict those in the patent.

Supreme Court and patents

The US Supreme Court preserved but narrowed an inventor’s right to later argue that their patent is not valid in Minerva Surgical v. Hologic, the second high court case this month to involve the medical device industry.

The court issued its 5-4 ruling on 29 June, making it one of the last opinions to be released for...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Medtech Insight for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Legal & IP

Former Top OIG Attorney Gives Inside Look At Fraud Prevention

 
• By 

Former HHS-OIG attorney Rob DeConti emphasized the significance of data analytics and compliance in combating healthcare fraud, urging medical tech companies to adopt robust measures to prevent potential risks.

DME And Diagnostics In Crosshairs As DOJ ‘Follows The Money’

 
• By 

The DOJ has launched nearly 70 enforcement actions in 2025, targeting diagnostics, durable medical equipment, and telehealth fraud. Key cases involve significant fraudulent claims against Medicare, with individuals facing severe penalties.

Mexico’s New Procurement Rules Aim To Increase Healthcare Investment, But May Face Legal Trouble

 

Legal experts warn, however, that new Mexican procurement rules are discriminatory and could be challenged in the courts.

Innovative Wants Injunction Against J&J Subsidiary After $442M Antitrust Verdict

 
• By 

Innovative Healthcare is asking for a permanent injunction against Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Biosense Webster after winning a $442 million antitrust verdict. The injunction aims to prevent continued anticompetitive practices in the electrophysiology catheter market.

More from Policy & Regulation

HealthAI: ‘Established Regulations Already Exist For Regulating AI In Healthcare Safely’

 

Paul Campbell, chief regulatory officer at HealthAI, emphasizes existing regulations for AI in healthcare should not be overlooked as new regulations are developed.

EUDAMED Notice Anticipated By September As Commission Optimizes Operations

 

The last steps are taking place leading to the launch of the EU’s medical device database, EUDAMED.

From Imitation To Action: Johns Hopkins Robot Autonomously Performs Key Step In Gallbladder Surgery

 
• By 

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have used a robotic system to autonomously perform a key part of gallbladder surgery without a surgeon's hand. Lead author Axel Krieger says it could take five to 10 years before an autonomous robotic system will reach human trials and expects regulatory hurdles.