Medtronic Found Liable for Antitrust Violations, Ordered to Pay $381.7M in Damages

Applied Medical has won a significant antitrust lawsuit against Medtronic, with a jury awarding $381.7 million in damages. The lawsuit alleged Medtronic engaged in exclusionary practices to suppress competition in the market for bipolar vessel sealing devices. The verdict found Medtronic liable for violating federal and state antitrust laws, and Applied Medical intends to seek injunctive relief to prohibit Medtronic from enforcing unlawful restrictions. The decision is seen as a victory for fair competition and could open the healthcare market to innovation and lower costs.