Computer Motion Files Suit Against Intuitive Surgical for Multiple Patent Infringements.

Business Editors

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 18, 2000

Computer Motion, Inc. (Nasdaq:RBOT), the leader in medical robotics, announced today that a lawsuit has been filed against Intuitive Surgical, Inc. for infringement of seven Computer Motion patents (United States Patent Numbers 5,524,180; 5,878,193; 5,762,458; 6,001,108; 5,815,640; 5,907.664; and 5,855,583).

Recent investigations led Computer Motion to believe that Intuitive Surgical has incorporated technology into their da Vinci product that was developed and patented by Computer Motion. Because an issued patent is considered the "intellectual property" of the inventor, others cannot utilize the property without the owner's consent. Computer Motion strongly believes in developing open architecture product platforms and participating in technological and procedural collaborations for the purpose of developing the emerging field of medical robotics.

According to Yulun Wang, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Technical Officer of Computer Motion, "We believe the company has a responsibility to our shareholders and employees to protect our intellectual property rights. In our eleven years of existence, we are proud and grateful for the thousands of hours of innovative thinking, dedication and tireless efforts our employees and collaborating developers have given. The resulting intellectual property incorporated into our product platforms is the brainchild of Computer Motion and is essential to our success. I have been intimately involved in the creation of our intellectual property. I have reviewed it in light of other medical robotic developments and believe that our patents are fully substantiated."

Edward O'Connor and Jan Weir of Stradling, Yocca, Carlson & Rauth, attorneys for Computer Motion, added, "We have thoroughly reviewed this case and believe it is solid. Such enforcement of patent rights in emerging growth technologies is essential to protecting those rights and encouraging new research and development."

Computer Motion, the world leader in medical robotics, is creating the cornerstone technologies and products for the Intelligent Operating Room(TM). The company develops, manufactures and markets proprietary computer-enhanced and robotic surgical systems, which enhance surgeons' capabilities, improve outcomes and reduce costs. Computer Motion's products include the voice-controlled AESOP(R) endoscope positioning system; the HERMES(TM) Control Center, a centralized system which enables the surgeon to voice control a network of "smart" medical devices; and the ZEUS(TM) Robotic Surgical System for new minimally invasive microsurgery procedures, such as beating heart, endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (E-CABG(TM)). ZEUS is CE-Marked for commercial sale in the European Community, and the company has completed an FDA-approved Phase 1 Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) coronary bypass study with ZEUS and initiated a mitral valve surgery IDE study. Computer Motion and Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) are co-marketing ZEUS. The company's Web site is www.ComputerMotion.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements concerning the company's business and products. Actual results may differ materially depending on a number of risk factors, including the risks of competition and competing technologies, duration or suspension of clinical studies, regulatory clearances and approvals, and physician, hospital and payor acceptance of the company's products. These factors and other risks inherent in the company's business are described from time to time in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K. The company undertakes no obligation to revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.