Bard Receives $13 Million Award From Boston Scientific in Patent Infringement Suit.

Health/Medical Writers, Business Editors

MURRAY HILL, N.J.--(BW HealthWire)--October 9, 2000

C. R. Bard, Inc. (NYSE-BCR) today announced payment of $13.28 million in damages, interest and costs from Boston Scientific Corporation, concluding a patent infringement suit by Bard against Boston Scientific. A jury determined in June 1997 that an esophageal dilation catheter sold by Boston Scientific's Microvasive Endoscopy division infringed a United States patent issued to Bard and awarded Bard damages of $10.8 million. Boston Scientific appealed the judgment, and its last appeal was rejected by the courts in September.

Esophageal dilation catheters are used to treat strictures of the esophagus resulting from acid reflux disease, esophageal cancer and other causes. Bard is a leading supplier of these devices worldwide.

Because Boston Scientific's infringement affected sales of Bard's Elminator(TM) dilation catheter, the jury compensated Bard with an award of lost profits, as well as other damages.

William H. Longfield, chairman and chief executive officer, commented, "We are pleased that the appeals court upheld the jury's award and that this chapter is concluded. Bard will continue to vigorously protect its intellectual property."

C. R. Bard, Inc., (www.crbard.com) headquartered in Murray Hill, New Jersey, is a leading multinational developer, manufacturer and marketer of health care products in the fields of vascular, urology, oncology and surgical specialty products.